Wet Plugs?

[MermaidMel]

I got my plugs wet the other changing the filter media and had to leave it a couple of days. I put it back on earlier, it was fine for 5 minutes then it tripped the fuse box. Put it back on, tripped the fuse again. Any ideas why?

 

[raptorrex]

I got my plugs wet the other changing the filter media and had to leave it a couple of days. I put it back on earlier, it was fine for 5 minutes then it tripped the fuse box. Put it back on, tripped the fuse again. Any ideas why?

if it were the plugs themselves, i would have thought they would blow the fuse as opposed to the main box. but if the water caused a short on the wires going into the plug, the insulation may have melted, leaving the earth wire in contact with the live or neutral. take the plug apart and check the wire. if the above is not the case, i would council that it is the socket, as such you will need an electrical engineer (sparks), even if you can do it yourself, all your household insurance policy's would be invalid if it were to cause problems after you fix it. the current UK regulation make if illegal to do more than plug something in to the existing electrical loop, unless you are qualified! you can however get qualified to do simple things like change sockets and light fittings at your local FE collage, last time i looked it cost about £20 for the course.

 

[MermaidMel]

I got my plugs wet the other changing the filter media and had to leave it a couple of days. I put it back on earlier, it was fine for 5 minutes then it tripped the fuse box. Put it back on, tripped the fuse again. Any ideas why?

if it were the plugs themselves, i would have thought they would blow the fuse as opposed to the main box. but if the water caused a short on the wires going into the plug, the insulation may have melted, leaving the earth wire in contact with the live or neutral. take the plug apart and check the wire. if the above is not the case, i would council that it is the socket, as such you will need an electrical engineer (sparks), even if you can do it yourself, all your household insurance policy's would be invalid if it were to cause problems after you fix it. the current UK regulation make if illegal to do more than plug something in to the existing electrical loop, unless you are qualified! you can however get qualified to do simple things like change sockets and light fittings at your local FE collage, last time i looked it cost about £20 for the course.

It was an extension lead btw not a main socket, if I switch to another extension lead it should be ok right?

 

[tangokitty]

Poor mermaid, seems like you've been having a lot of bad luck lately! Hope you get everything figured out.


boboboy, that bug in your signature really bugs me! I think it is crawling om my monitor!

 

[MermaidMel]

Poor mermaid, seems like you've been having a lot of bad luck lately! Hope you get everything figured out.


boboboy, that bug in your signature really bugs me! I think it is crawling om my monitor!

Yeah I know I will bounce back I'm sure. That bug bugs me too lol

 

[raptorrex]

sorry about the bug guys, SHUSSSSSS dont tell anyone but i have a mark on my LDC where i tried to kill it first time i saw it!

my guess is that will do the trick MermaidMel. all the best!!!!!!!

 

[Behold]

they may be some water in the plug if its not a water tight case. this could be shorting it on the pins causing the fuse not to go. if not the extention plug will have it. the chances of melting the wiring is not high. unscrew bothe the plug and extension lead (UNPLUGED) and check for condensation alow to air dry and refit. if not a new extension is not expensive.

As to taking the main wall plug off. it will not invalidate your insurance if it is not in a special room (any with plumbed water outlets (Taps etc)) You are alowed to replace plug facias in all other rooms.

 

[raptorrex]

they may be some water in the plug if its not a water tight case. this could be shorting it on the pins causing the fuse not to go. if not the extention plug will have it. the chances of melting the wiring is not high. unscrew bothe the plug and extension lead (UNPLUGED) and check for condensation alow to air dry and refit. if not a new extension is not expensive.

As to taking the main wall plug off. it will not invalidate your insurance if it is not in a special room (any with plumbed water outlets (Taps etc)) You are alowed to replace plug facias in all other rooms.

quite true, however a socket connected to an electrical appliance that is housed in water, should be done by an qualified person, just as it would be in a bathroom or kitchen. as you say a short between the earth and a live or neutral would cause the RCD to pop. but a short between live and neutral should blow the fuse.

 

[BigC]

Dry everything off as much as humanly possible and use a hairdryer from a different electrical point (eg extension to upstairs sockets) to finish the job off Then reset the main board for your sockets and it should work.
Regards
BigC