Outdoor electrical socket

[Spengler]

Hi,

I replaced an outdoor electrical socket recently with a 2 gang, BG socket which has LED lights to show when it is switched on. Since then I can’t get it to work. The LED lights come on so it definitely getting power. But both 3 pin plug sockets refuse to work. I have read and re-read the instructions it came with and I have definitely fitted it correctly.

I thought it was the socket itself so I went out and bought another one which also has LED lights on and after fitting I have exactly the same situation.

I have checked the consumer unit and all seems fine. The outdoor sockets are on their own trip switch.

Any ideas on what I might be doing wrong?

FYI the previous outdoor socket worked fine.

 

[davesparks]

What are you using to test the socket?

 

[Spengler]

What are you using to test the socket?

I am plugging in an iPhone charger to the 3 pin plugs and seeing if it will charge my phone. I’ve also plugged in other electrical devices and have the same problem. The LEDs are on but the 3 pin plugs just won’t work.

I also removed the whole socket and put an electrical test screwdriver on the live wire and it lit up showing it is live.

Is there another way I should be testing it?

 

[westward10]

Definitely not with a neon screwdriver.
Got any pics of the socket and wiring.

 

[Spengler]

Definitely not with a neon screwdriver.
Got any pics of the socket and wiring.

Thanks guys here’s some pics

 

[westward10]

If that cable is connected the same at the other socket then the armour is not earthed and it needs to be.
Nothing is shouting anything wrong and the connections aren't great. Not impossible the socket is faulty.

 

[westward10]

Try it with the old socket back on.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Could be a N - E reversed at the other end ?

But still wouldn't explain why the old one worked and the new one now doesn't

 

[Spengler]

If that cable is connected the same at the other socket then the armour is not earthed and it needs to be.
Nothing is shouting anything wrong and the connections aren't great. Not impossible the socket is faulty.

Thanks Westward

 

[littlespark]

Grey and black might be other way round. Most people use grey as neutral and black as earth, but not all.