Moulded-on 13A plugs going bad

In message , at 09:36:37 on Sat, 4 Nov

Some repairs are designed to be done by consumers. Many light bulbs not inside something with a "no user-serviceable parts inside" sticker, for example.

There is clearly a substantial difference in the skills requires to change a plug and replace a wall socket.

The main constraint in rented property, however, is "who it belongs to".

In message , at 12:14:03 on Sat, 4 Nov 2017, RJH remarked:

I have a mate who has a degree in electrical/electronic engineering and designs things like cellphone base stations. His employer doesn't allow him to change a fuse in a mains plug. I agree that this is a little OTT.

'Demarcation' and jobs for the boys.

Thank Socialism for Luddites!

Really? Care to list them?

Changing from a moulded on plug requires cable preparation. And stripping off insulation is something many can't do properly.

To change a socket only requires a screwdriver. Of course if a different design from the original you may have to make sure you put the cables in the correct holes. But that also applies to changing a plug.

A Luddite employer, then? Seems to be another term you use without understanding.

In message , at 13:51:05 on Sat, 4 Nov

The most obvious is coping with the size, stiffness, and often inadequate length of the ring main wiring.

At least the positions of the holes is pretty standard on a plug.

I've seen wall sockets where the existing wiring simply won't reach the holes in a replacement.

Lol. Oh no, I can't cope! The one difference is the need to switch the right MCB off. Which is very very simple to do.

Best leave it to a pro, then.

Not disagreeing, although I am not sure what point you are making?

I'd have thought remove and replace, rather than just pressing it in.

Not always.

I did an EICR last week.

Now the first thing I do is check that the labelled up MCBs do what they are supposed to do.

The existing labels are only a guide.

This was an ex RAF house and I am estimating that the MOD paid for the rewire about 30 years ago.

The downstairs sockets MCB did not turn off the downstairs sockets until the immersion MCB was also turned off.

OK. So based on the evidence so far what would you do as a landlord?

It has been suggested that the socket for the washing washing is possibly a bit dodgy.

In message , at

In message , at 16:36:48 on Sat, 4 Nov

Not rely on an amateur, actually.

being an amateur only means you don't get paid. It says nothing about competance.

In the good old days....

Our Readers Digest book of DIY said large loads like WMs needed an FCU rath er than a plug & socket.

I think that?s good advise.

Actually, I think they also said they should be on their own feed direct fr om the CU, rather than on the ring (or spurred off).

Insist that only my appointed person change ring main sockets.

And if indeed dodgy, the landlord should pay for the repair.

That's roughly about £30 (not including London or some other poncy town/city centres[1]) and you will get a minor works certificate thrown in.

Well then the RD book is a load of bollocks:-).

Along with any Which? totally unbiased recommendations.