Socket live all the while

[ian Lines]

Hi can someone shed some light on the above ? swapped out a single gang wall socket ( working perfect ) for single gang with usb, simple job wire up like for like. however the flick switch on the new usb socket which was working perfect for two days does now not cut the power and the socket is live all the while even when the flick switch is in the off position. I thought it was a faulty switch so took it back and got a replacement but the same has happened again....works fine for a couple of days then the flick switch part wont cut the power.....thanks in adavance

 

[Squid]

Is the power still live when you flick the switch or are you talking about the USB ports as they are normally permanently powered. Do you still have the old socket and what make are the new ones you bought?

 

[westward10]

Cut power to what, the usb outlet or the 13A outlet and how are you verifying this.

 

[ian Lines]

power is still on (3 pin plug part) when i flick the switch to the off position and i assume the usb part is live all the while anyway
this is what i got BG 13A 1-Gang SP Switched Socket & 2-Gang USB Charger Port White | Switches & Sockets | Screwfix.com - https://www.screwfix.com/p/bg-13a-1-gang-sp-switched-socket-2-gang-usb-charger-port-white/6914f

 

[camerabloke]

Are you using a volt stick to test?

 

[ian Lines]

no just plugging in the 3 pin plug and my appliances come on

 

[Pete999]

BG now there is a name for reliability

 

[telectrix]

BG now there is a name for reliability

I've fitted loads of BG kit. never had any problems. some time ago, the N and E bar screws were a pain. thread sealer or similar. but that was ages ago.

 

[MJPD29]

Did you buy a LAP one out of screwfix by any chance? If so return and never buy again, cheap DIY rubbish

 

[telectrix]

Did you buy a LAP one out of screwfix by any chance? If so return and never buy again, cheap DIY rubbish

there again, just fitted 24 chrome accessories for a client. all LAP , client's request. 1 twin socket had a duff switch. other than that, no probs.

 

[ian Lines]

no its BG branded ...cant understand why it works perfect for a couple of days and then malfunctions....

 

[telectrix]

could be a bad batch. try getting it swapped for a schneider or click ( if click do the usb ones).

 

[NDG Elecs]

I think any company with the initials BG is probably best avoided! Saying that I have recently fitted a fair amount of the BG Nexus metal plate range, and they seem alright. The customer wanted to go with Lap at first, but I pointed them towards the numerous bad reviews saying that the switches give up the ghost after a couple of years. You pays your money and gets what you get!

 

[ian Lines]

so which do you recommend then?

 

[NDG Elecs]

One of my favourite face plates are the range of screw-visible low profile flat plates by Schneider. Around a tenner per socket, but good quality and look smart IMO.

Link:
schneider flat plate - Google pretraga - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=schneider+flat+plate&client=ms-android-google&prmd=sinv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDofq6t7XZAhVGDsAKHRvuABQQ_AUIEigC&biw=377&bih=542

 

[Rpa07]

One of my favourite face plates are the range of screw-visible low profile flat plates by Schneider. Around a tenner per socket, but good quality and look smart IMO.

Link:
schneider flat plate - Google pretraga - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=schneider+flat+plate&client=ms-android-google&prmd=sinv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDofq6t7XZAhVGDsAKHRvuABQQ_AUIEigC&biw=377&bih=542

Being available as they are these days with the grey inserts is very smart - I don't like flat plate old style but will have a look at these. Always good to know what's available.

 

[elsparko]

shitty contacts inside ? rip the socket to bits and find out

 

[Richard Burns]

I have found on standard BG double pole sockets that under a heavy load the switches have failed, normally failed by shorting but could just weld themselves together.
If the load you have normally connected is in the 2.5 - 3.0kW range and you are switching it off using the socket switch then this could be the cause.

 

[PEG]

I have found on standard BG double pole sockets that under a heavy load the switches have failed, normally failed by shorting but could just weld themselves together.
If the load you have normally connected is in the 2.5 - 3.0kW range and you are switching it off using the socket switch then this could be the cause.

You just did the post i was going to do! Love it

 

[NDG Elecs]

Being available as they are these days with the grey inserts is very smart - I don't like flat plate old style but will have a look at these. Always good to know what's available.

I have a good few of the white metal ones at home. They are like a 'posh' version of a standard placky white socket! Photo of them from side on for how they sit as it's not obviously shown on the Google images (ignore the breakfast cereal on the floor!):

They have a nice foam gasket firmly attached to help seal them.

 

[DPG]

Love that phrase ((ignore the breakfast cereal on the floor!) - I must use it at some point.