Problems with 'flashing' sockets!

[tom-the-sparky]

Hi Everybody,

Has anyone encountered 'flashing' sockets before? A client has a problem with plug in appliances in that when the socket outlet switch has been turned off, and the item removed an electrical spark/arc occurs?

Any ideas about this oh wise ones?

Thanks

 

[RWJ]

In a word........ NO


Have you checked our the sockets?
Are they faulty?
Wired correctly?
Double Pole / have you tried double pole....


I'm clutching at straws really!??

Do you think it's more appliance side?
Does it only happen on one appliance?

 

[pushrod]

Is it on a single outlet? The usual way to see a flash is to pull the plug out without switching the load off first. I am wondering if the socket is still switching properly. If it is a single outlet I would think the first port of call would be to replace it and if that has no effect then it is head scratching time

 

[malcolmsanford]

As phil say if it is a single socket doing this there could be a faulty switch on the socket and so your un pluging under load.

Nylon carpets.............. any sort of capatience .....no clutching at straws as well if not a faulty socket.

 

[tom-the-sparky]

Cheers guys, off to investigate now, i shall let you know what i find!!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Is it possible that the outlet has single pole switching, the polarity has been reversed and the appliance has functional earthing?

 

[RWJ]

Is it possible that the outlet has single pole switching, the polarity has been reversed and the appliance has functional earthing?

That was one of my thoughts, that why I asked about DP

 

[timo1]

Ha ha I had this on one of our sockets in our first home. My wife and I used to call it "old sparky". I replaced the socket which stopped the problem and could not see any damage, only happened when we took out a plug. I put it down to a dodgy cheapo socket.

 

[SMB]

err....don't get it really, however I am a village idiot.

From my way of thinking then if the appliance is isolated (switched off) from the socket supply then there definately would be no 'arc' when unplugging the appliance. The only thing I can think of is a dodgy socket outlet.

Have a proper look at the socket outlet, where was it made?

Replace it.

I reckon the only thing that could cause this problem is a faulty socket outlet. The socket outlet is not isolating the load when it is switched off and that is what is causing the arcing.




counterfit sockets?


ive always wanted to be a 'flasher' but I daren't.

 

[Sintra]

If I had to have a stab at a reason I would go for incorrect polarity at the socket.

 

[RWJ]

Will we ever know???!?!?!

 

[SMB]

villiage idiot replies to Sintra.

im not taking the pee here, this is a genuine question mate.

how would reverse polarity cause this problem?






ah.......if its not a double pole switch.....



mmm...ive graduated to worzel gummage and not a pure village idiot.

 

[topquark]

Flashing? ... depends on the appliance I guess...if it's a large current user, possibly. I'd go with Sintra on this and say incorrect polarity (not necessarily at the socket though...'tas been known at the head/CU all too often).

 

[topquark]

mmm...ive graduated to worzel gummage and not a pure village idiot.

At least you have a choice of heads to go for now, including a thinking head.

 

[SMB]

I think I get it, it is reverse polarity.