tumbly dryer plug - fishy!

rewire to new plug

Probably caused by the resistance of the contact point between wire and screw terminal heating up the wire. Wire was probably not stripped correctly or maybe oxidation or bad terminal.

In article , Me writes

or loose, that's the usual for overheating. I agree replacement is better than re-use on the plug but stripping back the cable by a few inches will be fine.

Don't discount the socket. Maybe a poor quality socket which could cause the pin to get hot. Certainly worth checking anyway as the heat could have affected it if it is not the direct cause.

As stated, fit a new plug (MK would be good).

Plug is most likely due to a loose screw terminal or partly broken wire causing the wire to overheat. Plug pins are large CSA to minimise heating, so oxidation slowly occurs over time creating the "fish smell".

Socket is least likely, but similarly possible due to a loose screw terminal, plaster in terminals or a screw biting insulation rather than conductor & working loose. A socket can suffer plug contact oxidation or simply not make good contact with a plug. So if the problem does re-occur it may be worth replacing the socket also.

-- JSB.

thanks for the advice chaps, I should be able to stretch this job out over the weekend ;-)

great point there, Could it also be a loose terminal on the other side of the socket?

Fish smell could also be due to plasticiser migration from the cable plastics

Maurice W presented the following explanation :

Yes, but also check the socket for damage and replace that too if it is damaged.

You won't be able to adequately check the socket. A socket which has been subject to excess heat from a plug should be replaced in any case.

A loose or dirty connection somewhere.

The only totally sure and safe option is to cut the cable back and wire to a new plug. Also replace the socket and check the state of the fixed wiring to that as well. Cut that back (and crimp on extensions if required) as well if the fixed wiring insulation is damaged.

Also check to see if the cat hasn't dumped something under the kitchen cabinets so casuing a smell !!!

Absolutely. Found the very same thing on Thursday, single s/o under a worktop with a washing machine plugged in. Cheap B&Q made in PRC jobby (socket not machine). Changed it for an MK.