Socket switch stopped working

Question

I have a socket switch that powers my electric shower. It started smelling “fishy” and the socket/switch was very warm/hot. Now it has stopped working. The switch turns to ‘on’ position but there is no power. How can this be repaired cost effectively?

Tim · Accepted Answer

What you have or should have is an Isolator that makes and brakes the power to the shower. This can either be via a 45 amp double pole pull switch or wall mounted like a cooker switch. 
This is a classic example of arcing, where the terminals in the switch are not tight and when drawing 40 to 50 amps of power arcing occurs which causes heat and heat causes fire. I'd bet the internal moulding and terminals in the switch are also burnt out as I've seen this many times. I have pictures of this also, so the way forward is a new Isolator and possibly some of the cable may need replacing as the heat causes the cable to go brittle.

Darshan · Answer

The fishy smell is in indication there is a heating of cable either by arcing due to a loose connection or overloading from shower due to under sized cable, this would need to be investigated to ensure the electrical safe guards are in place so that it doesn't reoccurre. It would be prudent to call an Electrician to investigate.

Lloyd · Answer

Hi Wayne
There is a problem with the switch and it requires a replacement switch as it can cause a short circuit if stuck on the middle position. A replacement switch can be installed for under £100 including labour and materials.

Andrew · Answer

You will need to have a insulation test done on the cable, the appliance tested and also have the socket looked at. 
From what your saying:
1: I hope it’s a pull cord switch.
2: if you ISOLATE THE POWER. Take off the switch plate and see if it’s fried,
The hot sensation means the cable is more than likely not adequate for the shower unit but without looking at it it’s hard to diagnose as there could several issues, even down to a faulty unit.

Did your board trip?

Gary · Answer

Replace the switch/pullcord unit. Make sure all contacts are tight.

Jeremy · Answer

Get an electrician to remove & replace the socket. They'll check the cable for damage, and test the circuit.
All being well, looking at around £75 including minor works cert.

William · Answer

Change the switch , burnt out , regards bs electrical

Stephen · Answer

yes most likely switch has burnt out cost new  1 under20 cost to replace 40  total 50 to 60

Steven · Answer

Commonly with shower switches, terminations where cables are connected may be loose which causes the conductor to burn which may be the reason for the smell. In a good case there may be enough slack on the cable to salvage it. Otherwise your looking at a rewire.

Justin · Answer

Have you had a new shower fitted?
If so it maybe to hi wattage!
Or it has simply just old and warn out and will just need replacing( most common)

Phillip · Answer

Sounds like you need new switch due to loose connection within switch would need to view depends how badly burnt/damaged cable is

Mark · Answer

Hi there, 

It sounds as if the main fuse breakers blown. Its blown for safety reasons, you will need to call out a qualified electrician.

Paul · Answer

A loose connection inside the switch,  causing it to heat up and ultimately fail.
A new switch is required and possibly new cable if it shows signs of melting.

Mike · Answer

You need a qualified electrician immediately! 
can turn it off at the circuit breaker? 
The fishy smell is normally the cable over heating and this is serious as It will eventually result in an electrical fire!!!
From The description you give is quite hard to advise without investing, you need an electrician to investigate, I can only speculate. 
I assume when you say socket/switch you are talking about a pull cord switch.
This Fishy smell  can be caused by a few different things.
 A lose connection in the switch could be the issue causing the switch to seize and this could also give the fishy smell although it is quite common on shower circuits that a plumber or handy man has upgraded the  shower  to a larger KW shower to the one the cable was originally designed for without carrying out the required electrical calculations and design,  This could also cause the fishy smell as the cable is too small for the power required for the new shower.
 Please consult a qualified electrician, electricity is deadly in untrained hands!!!

Aleksander · Answer

There must me loose connection . You should’ve use shower till is replaced. The switch needs replacing ASAP

Daniel · Answer

Hi Wayne,

Usually the fishy smell is a symptom of the plastic sheathing around the cables breaking down... usually as a result of poor electrical connections; due to the increased resistance it can cause extra heat which makes the cables / switch break down faster until one day it shorts out and won't work anymore!

Depending on the extent of the damage you might be lucky and it could be the isolating switch that has gone faulty and you can just replace that. Otherwise it could be extensive cable damage and would require a more in-depth assessment.

If you're competent and up for the job you could isolate the circuit at the fuse board (distribution board) unscrew the switch and take a look at the connections to see if its the switch that failed or if you can see any cracked cables... If unsure, take a photo and re-post and I'm sure you'll get some more advice!

Mick · Answer

isolated at consumer unit and get a electrican to repar
the fish smell is the cable burning in the switch

Mike · Answer

The cause is heat and happens as a result of a loose connector, frequently the neutral (blue) as this vibrates under load. Sometimes it is the silica (mica) insulation that when it gets hot gives off a 'fishy' smell. Look for signs of burning around the connection block. Get an electrician in now to repair will save a higher cost later.

Enock · Answer

Need new Shower unit looks like that one is burnt out

Ion · Answer

there is a short circuit where it hid, so it is necessary to check a circuit evaluation of this work can be around £ 100-120

Paul · Answer

You need to replace it after inspection , maybe yougotta water leak ? Get an electrician to do an inspection!

Socket switch stopped working

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