The plug for my washing machine has a black coating on it's three prongs which appears to have melted. Now the prongs won't fit into the wall socket (also a smell of burnt rubber). It's a moulded plug so, assuming the problem is within the plug, I will have to cut off to replace it. Is it safe to do this, or might the problem lie in the wall socket?
2006-11-05 04:19:16 · 11 answers · asked by Philippa P 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Thanks for all the advice it was very helpful. I think I'll replace the plug and try it in another socket as well as getting the original socket looked at. Thanks again.
2006-11-05 09:57:55 · update #1
It is safe to remove and replace, but this is probably not the source of the problem. Melted connections are typically caused by a current flow greater than the rating of the device, often due to a short to ground or between the grounded and ungrounded conductors. Check internal connections at the outlet, check the actual fit of a good plug into the receptacle - loose is not good. Receptacles are cheap, I would replace it as well anyway. Use an ohm meter to verify the appliance is ok. Have a professional electrican or appliance repair person do anything you do not feel comfortable/competent with.
Another concern is if the circuit porotection device did not open, whether a fuse or a circuit breaker.
2006-11-05 04:23:18 · answer #1 · answered by gare 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cut off the moulded plug and fit a new GOOD QUALITY one , Also replace the socket as the contacts within will also have burnt, you may well find a loose connection and burning at the back of the socket. TURN OFF POWER FIRST. And before anyone starts quoting Part P You ARE allowed to carry out this minor repair yourself, make sure that the terminal screws are tight.
2006-11-05 12:25:12 · answer #2 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jayktee is absolutely right on this one .
replace the plug and socket.Probably a bad connection or contact has caused the heat.
Replacement socket comes under maintenance and not covered by Part P
2006-11-05 13:09:28 · answer #3 · answered by robert22061954 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get an electrician to test the socket, and if the problem is not the socket then you will have to cut off and replace the plug.
2006-11-05 12:27:21 · answer #4 · answered by monkeymanelvis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem a few months ago and i fixed it myself, it transpired one of the wires inside the socket had come loose. If you have confidence in doing any DIY then you could also do it yourself but don't forget to turn switch of at mains, if not get an electrician, he'll probably charge between £10-£25 Good luck.
2006-11-05 12:30:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get qualified advice. If all three of the pins show meltng then a high current is going to earth (through the larger pin at the top)and that means a potentially dangerous fault possibly within the washing machine. Is there any sign of heat damage to the cable?.
2006-11-09 08:47:31 · answer #6 · answered by The Hog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to find the cause before plugging it in again, is the socket near the oven or microwave, you may want to create a distance, better safe than sorry.
2006-11-05 12:21:35 · answer #7 · answered by Lizzie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the plug in is getting to hot. Replace the whole cord,not just the head.
2006-11-05 12:22:50 · answer #8 · answered by Johnnysbar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat was produced from a bad connection. This could be in the plug or outlet and only someone with electrical knowledge will know.
2006-11-05 12:23:23 · answer #9 · answered by lumberman57 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
overloading the plug. you can replace it yourself but i recomend to have it installed by an electrican have it wired in to a switch in the wall without a plug it will be safer!
2006-11-07 14:36:24 · answer #10 · answered by David S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋