Switch contacts melting

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Mike3779
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Switch contacts melting

Post by Mike3779 »

Hi,, basically my wall double socket stopped working, so i opened it up to see what was cauusing it. I found that the plastqic bump on the rocker switch had melted flat mean the contacts werent being pushed when turned on.. This has happened on a fewsockets usually when using the iron or kettle after many uses. They ar Mk sockets.. Is this a usual problem ir should i test the cables etc.
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Re: Switch contacts melting

Post by Mike3779 »

Should add its a moderm flat,, only 5 years old
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Someone-Else
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Re: Switch contacts melting

Post by Someone-Else »

Test the cables for what?

I would be inclined to change the plug on the iron, and always unplug the iron, don't worry about the socket switch when ironing, leave it on, or better still get sockets with out switches
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Mike3779
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Re: Switch contacts melting

Post by Mike3779 »

I mean surely these switches shiuldnt melt due to the power being drawn by the iron.. Its not tripping the fuse box so it not like its drawing extra high,, so just curious why this is happening.. Thought mk were thw best brand... Maybe not then
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Re: Switch contacts melting

Post by Bob225 »

there has been fake MK sockets in the past - or are they Mk look a like sockets

its either high current load or there just been switched on-off multiple times daily and there arcing

is there a lot of moisture in your flat ?
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Re: Switch contacts melting

Post by Bob225 »

Dismantling starts around 4.30 switch starts around 6.30

Last edited by Bob225 on Mon Sep 10, 2018 3:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Mike3779
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Re: Switch contacts melting

Post by Mike3779 »

No moisture issues. Guess they could be fake,, they seem different than the video.. But the vid has the same sprung plastic plunger that contacts the switch. But like u said arcing from switching on and off is what is doing it.. From memory i thiight this was just a voltage spike not necessarily much power to melt.. But guess im wrong hence the melted part:). Thanks for your help guys.
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Re: Switch contacts melting

Post by Mike3779 »

Are switchless plugs ok to use in kitchens.. No regs against it in UK?
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Re: Switch contacts melting

Post by Someone-Else »

Switched sockets go back to the old days of DC power when they were needed. You can have unswitched sockets in your kitchen if you want to.
Above are my opinions Below is my signature.

Would you hit a nail with a shoe because you don't have a hammer? of course not, then why work on anything electrical without a means of testing Click Here to buy a "tester" just because it works, does NOT mean it is safe.

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Re: Switch contacts melting

Post by Grumps »

Going back to what has already been suggested.

Long story short. Friend had problems with plug/socket getting warm with Kettle plugged in. I looked at the plug - cheapo brand. Changed the plug - problem solved.
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