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.

 

[westward10]

Would probably still work if no RCD in play which hopefully there is.

 

[DefyG]

Wondered if it was WiFi controlled with the blue indicators as only ever seen red indicators on BG before.

 

[nicebutdim]

Wondered if it was WiFi controlled with the blue indicators as only ever seen red indicators on BG before.

I can't quite figure out that socket/enclosure combination. As you state, BG indicated sockets have red neons over each outlet. Their wifi sockets do have blue indicators, but they're located around a flush, round switch.

 

[SJD]

Looks to be a BG WPL22 socket, which should be an ordinary IP66 socket from e.g. Screwfix (stock code 420XH), not Bluetooth or WiFi controlled.

Slightly puzzled by one photo showing what appears to be an SWA gland below the socket, yet the armour is brought into the socket housing and not earthed, while incorrect would not be the reason for it not working. Or maybe the cable enters via a nylon gland.

I'd be checking the connections at the other end of the cable, but not with a neon screwdriver!

 

[nicebutdim]

No, all seems quite normal. Blue indicators on the frame are intended to be visible when cover is closed.

WPL22-01

www.bgelectrical.uk

Edit: ninjad by @SJD

 

[davesparks]

I can't see how those LEDs are actually connected to the socket.

It looks like it is a normal socket held into the enclosure with 4 screws clamping it from the back but there no sign of wires coming from it to the LEDs.

 

[nicebutdim]

I can't see how those LEDs are actually connected to the socket.

It looks like it is a normal socket held into the enclosure with 4 screws clamping it from the back but there no sign of wires coming from it to the LEDs.

I don't fancy paying £24 to Screwfix to find out, but would guess the LEDs are on the plate and the frames simply provide a lens for them to shine through. Otherwise replacing the socket would be unnecessarily arduous and IP rating more difficult to maintain.

 

[SJD]

BG IP66 sockets are typically their standard white sockets mounted in a weatherproof frame - hence the standard screw holes with white plastic covers in the white faceplate. So the black rectangles are just lenses.

Still no nearer to guessing why the socket doesn't work. I'd ask the OP whas was connected there before, and did it actually work? Could for example, it be fed from something that appears live but can't actually deliver a sensible amount of power (e.g. was it a switch for something else)?

 

[littlespark]

With a user name like "spengler" im expecting a call to the ghostbusters to sort this out....


The cable needs its proper gland fitted.... it doesnt appear to even have a compression gland fitted, never mind an swa gland...

The cable could quite easily by pulled out.


On a nice weather day, change it to just a regular socket as a test.... if it works, its the outside socket at fault.... if it doesnt, then its where this cable is coming from. Is there a photo of the other end?
Make sure to change it back!

 

[Dustydazzler]

Or just save all the agro and get a proper sparks round for 45 minutes to test the supply cable and re-fit the socket 'properly'