do i have a dodgy plug socket?

a66as · 15 Feb 2014 at 12:08

When ever i try to turn my switch of at the mains it makes a spark noise, once i kept it on overnight and my mobos light kept going off and on, also today my monitor screen kept going blank and on again, whats going on :confused:

should i switch it to a different socket?

Footyslayer · 15 Feb 2014 at 12:12

Well it's worth a try switching so you will know either way.

hawkhench · 15 Feb 2014 at 12:34

Plug a bog-standard bedside lamp (or something similar) in and keep an eye on it, see if it does the same.

darael · 15 Feb 2014 at 12:44

Sounds like a loose or broken connection. The sooner you get it looked at, the less chance you have of it catching fire.

Never mess with electric.

a66as · 15 Feb 2014 at 12:54

could damp be causing it? my wallpapers have sort of developed black lines so i think i may have a damp problem, either way i got another two mains sockets in my room ill switch ot over to them

Footyslayer · 15 Feb 2014 at 13:10

I'm no expert but I would be concerned about damp i an around electrics. I'd definitely get it looked at professionally.

lee32uk · 15 Feb 2014 at 13:43

I would buy a mains socket tester and check it out. Something like the one in the link.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/ced-plug-in-socket-tester/76975#

Ripshod · 15 Feb 2014 at 13:51

Switch contacts are loaded in such a way that they snap into position. Any arcing sounds from the socket indicate either the switch is dirty/bad, or the contacts in the socket have lost tension. In either case I think you'll either settle on using a different socket or getting that one swapped out.

My advice - DON'T use that socket til it's sorted. End of!