Electric Problem

Spangles · 11 Nov 2012 at 21:20

Hey Guys,

We have an Electric Fireplace, went to turn it off and noticed it was quite warm on the built in wall socket. Couldn't get the switch to 'Off' either.

Have taken it off the wall by unscrewing it, which has turned it off. Just wanted to make sure this should be ok for tonight until we get someone out to look at it tommorow? Or am I going to wake up on fire?

Sorry for quality of picture, but yeah I have noticed the heat marks on it now as well. I also took the fuse cover off to try and get at that first but decided this would be a safer option as I only have metal things to try and prise the fuse out.

mollymoo · 11 Nov 2012 at 21:43

Keep it off and whip the fuse out.

Spangles · 11 Nov 2012 at 22:04

Is it safe to get the fuse out? Seeing as I cannot switch the switch to off, whenever I press it against the wall it all turns on, but leaving it as it is means it is all switched off.

I have undone the screws on either side and pulled it slightly away from the wall which has turned it off.

Subliminal Aura · 11 Nov 2012 at 22:07

Get to the fuse box and switch that circuit off... If it hasn't already tripped at the box then I would be more concerned as to why not !

RJC · 11 Nov 2012 at 22:09

If possible isolate the circuit and then remove the fuse once your happy its dead.

rishy · 11 Nov 2012 at 22:10

Personally i would Turn the main power off for the house at the fuse board as you cannot switch it off then remove the fuse so it is safe and power the fuse back on

Spangles · 11 Nov 2012 at 22:14

Ok guys will do as above. Got to charge my phone up first so I can use the flashlight on that, then give this a go! Should be asleep now! Bah Humbug.

Spangles · 11 Nov 2012 at 23:07

Well I managed to get the fuse out, looks to be fine itself. Will contact the landlord tommorow and see whats going on. Thanks for the advice, can sleep safely now!

Danthus · 11 Nov 2012 at 23:19

The socket needs replacing ASAP.

C.R.A.Z.Y · 11 Nov 2012 at 23:50

Sounds like you might have a loose connection that is arching (Hence the heat on the socket and the fact it's switching off after you move it about)

Something Else · 11 Nov 2012 at 23:58

serious fire hazard there, not to mention a good chance of electrocution. landlord should get it sorted straight away with a qualified electrician

2bit · 12 Nov 2012 at 00:03

There's heat damage to the socket and the fuse didn't blow?

ZG002 · 12 Nov 2012 at 01:38

C.R.A.Z.Y said:
Sounds like you might have a loose connection that is arching (Hence the heat on the socket and the fact it's switching off after you move it about)

Pretty much this. Will take two mins to sort out.

PhillyDee · 12 Nov 2012 at 07:35

2bit said:
There's heat damage to the socket and the fuse didn't blow?

Unless it was enough to cause a surge, then it would not. A fuse is not thermal protection.

neodude · 12 Nov 2012 at 10:33

Switch circuit off at fuse box. Replace entire panel including a new fuse. Win.

peige · 12 Nov 2012 at 10:37

As above, will be a loose connection thats causing the heat. With luck there is enough wire back there to cut it back and make a new one to a new switch.

Its probably been like that quite a while.

rishy · 12 Nov 2012 at 11:09

get the landlord on it straight away, and make sure its a qualified electrician that does the work.

C.R.A.Z.Y · 12 Nov 2012 at 11:40

2bit said:
There's heat damage to the socket and the fuse didn't blow?

As PhillyDee said a loose connection that is arching will not activate/blow an overload circuit (MCB/Cartridge or rewireable fuse) it won't even activate an RCD/RCBO!
Obviously though if it arcs to ground or Neutral then MCB/fuse's will blow and RCD/RCBO's would activate.
Arching loose connections are one of the number one cause's of electrical fires which is why you should always double over your terminations and make sure they are mechanically secure.

/16 Ed.