sockets switch fusing??

[johnakay]

I have a 3kw heater in my garage with a supplied 13amp fuse.
the problem is when I switch it on and the heater been on all day.
the switch will not switch off,stuck.
I've changed the socket switch 3 times in the past 2 years.(heater used only in winter!)
what do I need?
this what I have

 

[Paulbarrett]

Are you using a double pole socket

 

[Paulbarrett]

I have of those, i have metal clad clad sockets in the workshop

 

[500e]

Run it on 2Kw

 

[rtbcomp]

Are you switching it on/off at the socket?

 

[Gareth J]

I had this issue with a water heater I temporarily put a 13A plug on. Put it back on a spur and has been ok since. Spur switches more robust I think, maybe rated to 15A instead of 13...?

If you want to keep the portability you could use the spur to switch an unswitched 13A socket

 

[wheresmejumper]

It might not be the problem,but sockets and switches vary hugely in quality.if u are replacing the socket with the same one new,buy a mk or similar good one.inferior sockets and even low load light switches can have arcing issues under normal operating loads,and slight dampness in cold garages or newly plastered walls will magnify the weakness.you shouldn't really switch a socket under heavy load if that's being done here

 

[brightspark]

3k is on its limit best bet is buy an mk socket --and a good quality plug. change both at once otherwise-- one will weaken the other. it still will get slightly warm been on all day

 

[Robotstar5]

Use the switch on the heater to turn it off to reduce the load on the socket switch, I've seen similar happen when switching kettles instead of using their "onboard" switch.

 

[johnakay]

Are you using a double pole socket? not sure what you mean.

Are you switching it on/off at the socket? yes
garage is cold so 2kw is not warm enough 3 ok.
the plug does get rather warm after it has been on awhile.
any MK sockets? just looked all seem to varies in price.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-13a-2-gang-dp-switched-plug-socket-white/15747?kpid=15747&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product Listing Ads-_-Sales Tracking-_-sales tracking url&cm_mmc=Google-_-Shopping - Lighting-_-Shopping - Lighting&gclid=Cj0KEQiA_MK0BRDQsf_bsZS-_OIBEiQADPf--vd69v3TppGBitbTAWYxG8gzp2oArdrnLt80k-g5vFYaApGH8P8HAQHAQ

DP = Double Pole, means it switches the live and the neutral.

 

[rikrobson]

The switch has been arcing by the sound of things. The switch on the socket is not really designed to control the power more to isolate the socket. The units switch should be used instead

 

[the snooper]

3k is on its limit best bet is buy an mk socket --and a good quality plug. change both at once otherwise-- one will weaken the other. it still will get slightly warm been on all day

Or hard wire it and use a higher rated switch

 

[Flathead_Dave]

Only use MK,they have a 15 year guarantee for a reason.
Single is K2757
Double is K2747
There are more expensive styles with the switches on the outside corners,it's a fashion thing.
Price depends on the sellers margins,they all sell for around £3 for a single and £4 for a double inc vat,but the single has a list price of £5.34 + vat.
I don't know how they test them,but in my opinion,some brands shouldn't be on sale.

 

[Paulbarrett]

Double pole switch tend to be more robust, isolates both neutral and live. Id agree with brightspark, fit a decent quality socket, as said will still get warm as its on its limit

 

[Paulbarrett]

Mk isnt what it used to be, still my preffered aesthetically for domestic jobs,

 

[Flathead_Dave]

Mk isnt what it used to be, still my preffered aesthetically for domestic jobs,

So what's now the best for quality?

 

[Paulbarrett]

I like hager for robustness

 

[Flathead_Dave]

A new one on me,I'll look them up.

 

[normspanners]

Are you switching it on/off at the socket? yes
garage is cold so 2kw is not warm enough 3 ok.
the plug does get rather warm after it has been on awhile.
any MK sockets? just looked all seem to varies in price.

Just switch it off at the heater instead of at the socket, the switch on the heater is designed to switch it off, the socket switch is meant to isolate the socket mainly, not for high current chops,