Electrical appliances Plugs and Sockets Installation Guide Show

Problems with electrical appliances may not always result from a failure of the equipment itself. They can be caused by the failure of electrical supply to the appliance via the socket. A three-pin socket must have a live supply, a neutral return and a sound earth path. When a plug from an appliance is inserted, firm contact must be made at all three points. If the live or neutral pins of the plug or connection point within the socket fail to make adequate contact or are free to move, localized heating will occur within the socket. Typical signs of this problem are listed below.

Electrical appliances Plug and socket problems

There are various reasons for such problems. They may be caused by one or a combination of any of those listed here.

• Repeated use of the socket, opening up the contact points within it (in other words, general wear and tear).
• Poor quality socket or plug.
• Loose pins on plug.
• The use of a double adapter.
• The use of a multi-point extension lead.

Electrical appliances Plugs Problem solving

Do not use the socket until the problem has been rectified. If the socket is showing any of the faults described here, it must be completely replaced. It may be advantageous to replace a faulty single socket with a double one. If you are planning to replace a socket yourself, make sure that you understand how to do so before you start (numerous D-I-Y books provide instructions) and that you follow proper safety procedures. Make sure you buy a good quality replacement socket, as there are many of dubious quality to be found. In this instance, price is often a good indicator of quality.

It is advisable to replace all plugs that have been used in a faulty socket because they may have been damaged. It is also possible that a faulty plug damaged the socket in the first place. To continue using the old plugs may result in the premature failure of your new socket.

Plugs are also available in many styles and qualities. While some poorer quality plugs may be reliable for use on low current consumption items such as lamps, televisions and radios, they may be less good for kettles and heaters. Although British Standards still apply to them, quality does vary considerably.

When buying plugs, sockets, and fuses go to shops or stores that can give advice and that carry a good selection. This will allow you to compare products. Look for the ASTA mark which proves that the design and manufacture of the product has been approved by the Association of Short Circuit Testing Authorities.

Electrical appliances Plug The earth

The faults mentioned so far relate to the live supply and neutral return on the socket, plug or both. Unless a two-pin plug and socket is used, there is, of course, a third pin. Use two-pin plugs only for items that do not require an earth path. Although it takes no active part in the operation of the appliance, the third pin is the most important connection of all. The function of the earth system is explained in Electrical basics. Products that have three core cable must have the yellow and green earth wire securely connected to the earth pin of the plug or pin marked E.

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