flash occurs whe unplugging equipment from wall socket

by **denboyo** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 10:36 pm

I raised a wall socket from floor level by 1ft in a room. In doing so I replaced the 2.5/ring main cable from a socket looping into the newly located one.This other socket was approx 2ft away.
All wiring connections appear to be correct & fixed securely, and appliances plugged into it work ok.However, when a switch off I see a flash of light at the back of the switch.Any suggestions what may be causing this ?

by **BLAKEY1963** » Sat Nov 05, 2011 6:18 pm

Denboyo
After the work was completed , did you complete a minor works certificate , and perform
the necessary tests , as detailed in BS 7671 2008 ( 2011 FIRST AMMENMENT ).
To prove the circuit is safe to be put into service ?

BLAKEY1963

by **sparx** » Sat Nov 05, 2011 8:33 pm

Further to Blakeys comment, does this only occur with a load ie heater etc plugged in? if so it's possible to see arc from switch contact in some cheap sockets due to thin /poor quality plastic.

by **denboyo** » Sat Nov 05, 2011 11:53 pm

Thanks Guys re minor works certificate - waiting for electrician to check work/circuit.
Re appliance - yes was using a portable heater( 2kw) to dry room out after decorating.Flash does not occur when using other equip ie tested with hairdryer,floor lamp,charger for drill, plus Vacuum.Only occurs with heater.

by **sparx** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 7:46 pm

So it's the load then!
2kW heater 8+ Amps, hairdryer 3 Amps'ish, lamp 0.1Amp, drill 1Amp'ish, Vac 3 Amp'ish.
turn thermostat down before switching off-no flash?