How bad is this electrical fault?

[Bill]

The tumble dryer stopped working today and Mrs Bill noticed the plug and socket don't look great... Presumably due to a poor connection over time?

So, new socket is a given. I haven't removed the face plate yet so not looked at the wiring, but is it likely to be damaged?

And do you think it means a new dryer, or just a new plug?

[Geffg]

Replace socket and plug and dryer probably be fine. Replace with a decent make socket. Sometimes can happen if connection not tight in socket or dryer used for hours and hours at a time.

[tr7v8]

Normally a cheap plug & the fuse over heats as the brass slackens. Change socket & plug, wiring should be OK.

[remedy]

I had the same after I ran a 90deg service wash.
The next day the wife heard a huge bang and the same had happened.
I opened the plug and the neutral (I think) had over heated it's way through the insulation over time and shorted on the brass.

[Bill]

Thanks, good to have a sanity check.

[OutInTheShed]

tr7v8 said:

Normally a cheap plug & the fuse over heats as the brass slackens. Change socket & plug, wiring should be OK.

It's the neutral that's gone.
Some people seem not to tighten the screws properly in the neutral connections, it's like they think the live does all the work or something.

I'd change the plug and socket and perhaps check the connections are tight in other sockets, although the problem could have come from the plug as it looks 'aftermarket' rather than 'factory fitted'.

The wiring should have at least a visual check behind the socket.

[Spare tyre]

Replace socket and plug with something decent

Pop smoke alarm just above for a while

[Bill]

OutInTheShed said:

I'd change the plug and socket and perhaps check the connections are tight in other sockets, although the problem could have come from the plug as it looks 'aftermarket' rather than 'factory fitted'.

Think it's original, not sure when moulded plugs came in.

ETA looks good!

Edited by Bill on Thursday 22 May 19:05

[DorsetSparky]

If you're keeping it there a good idea with a washing machine or any high-draw appliance is to terminate it into a fused spur instead.

[tux850]

OutInTheShed said:

It's the neutral that's gone.
Some people seem not to tighten the screws properly in the neutral connections, it's like they think the live does all the work or something.

That is indeed one valid theory, but I also recall reading an IEE investigation that suggested another reason that neutral terminals in plugs might often be found loose in situations like these is that the live terminal is somewhat mechanically decoupled from the pin by the fuse whereas the neutral is directly connected and thus subject to greater vibration on insertion/removal as well as greater heat exposure under high loads.

[OutInTheShed]

tux850 said:

OutInTheShed said:

It's the neutral that's gone.
Some people seem not to tighten the screws properly in the neutral connections, it's like they think the live does all the work or something.

That is indeed one valid theory, but I also recall reading an IEE investigation that suggested another reason that neutral terminals in plugs might often be found loose in situations like these is that the live terminal is somewhat mechanically decoupled from the pin by the fuse whereas the neutral is directly connected and thus subject to greater vibration on insertion/removal as well as greater heat exposure under high loads.

I've found a lot of loose neutrals in sockets over the years.

There's a theory that people have more subconscious respect (AKA fear!) with the live so tighten it more!

Then again, once a connection is loose, the heat can transfer between plug and socket, then thermal cycling can loosen everything.

[Keypad]

I would replace the socket with one (MK I think) that uses wago-type levers rather than screws to secure the cable.
Won't work itself loose over time and no problems about over-tight or too loose screws. About £3 - 4 more expensive, but IMO a better fixture. Also, if it's part of a ring, they have a connector for each wire, rather than trying to stuff 2 or three wires into each connector. So easier & safer.

[Bill]

I had a spare socket from a multi pack sat in the cupboard so I'm all sorted. The back of the socket and the wiring was fine. I did shorten the flex to the dryer by a few inches though.

[megaphone]

Bill said:

I had a spare socket from a multi pack sat in the cupboard so I'm all sorted. The back of the socket and the wiring was fine. I did shorten the flex to the dryer by a few inches though.

Don't use a cheap no brand socket or plug, or you will get the same thing happening again, or worse. Go and buy a quality socket and plug.

[eliot]

megaphone said:

Bill said:

I had a spare socket from a multi pack sat in the cupboard so I'm all sorted. The back of the socket and the wiring was fine. I did shorten the flex to the dryer by a few inches though.

Don't use a cheap no brand socket or plug, or you will get the same thing happening again, or worse. Go and buy a quality socket and plug.

Indeed - use known brands and avoid the budget crap even at screwfix et-al

[Bill]

Crabtree ok?

[Chumley.mouse]

I’d get one of these …….been going strong in my garage for the last 65-85 years ? Oh its MK too.

[Baldchap]

Chumley.mouse said:

I’d get one of these …….been going strong in my garage for the last 65-85 years ? Oh its MK too.

MK are one of those 'fallen from grace' manufacturers now. BG seem to be OK still, and Hager are still decent in my experience.

[eliot]

Bill said:

Crabtree ok?

i would say so yes.

[megaphone]

eliot said:

Bill said:

Crabtree ok?

i would say so yes.

Yes Crabtree is good. The best plug is the MK safety plug, £10 well spent. https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MK0646.html?...