4 gang wall socket question.

[Fastpedaller]

Well spotted - Yes, the 2 screw covers identify it as a 2 to 4 conversion. There are some well designed 'bits' available for electrical work: as an example, I fitted the kitchen in Daughters house last year and wanted to do a thorough, neat job with appliances plugged into sockets within adjacent base units with the supply from a switched fused outlet above the worktop for easy isolation if required. Two appliances (fridge and dishwasher), but no double independently switched fused outlet available. Putting 2 separate back boxes side -by-side looked messy and a gap between them wouldn't look good, and then I found a "1 +1" back box that gave a perfect solution!
https://www.screwfix.com/p/tower-db166lsf-1-1-gang-galvanised-steel-knockout-back-box-35mm/500aw

 

[Alex321]

The group clearly has one fuse, so if that had blown it would be all four sockets.

It could just be s loose connection inside, though I would except there again a single connection to the ring.

And the surge protection lamp is not lit.
Unless there is an obvious loose connection, I would be inclined to just replace the whole thing, since replacements aren't expensive.

 

[Over the Ord]

Had the opposite problem with a double wall socket 1 outlet wouldn’t switch of, on inspection the rocker switch was broken inside.

 

[fossyant]

That would take all four out plus other sockets on the same circuit.

Exactly - I suspect you need a new 4 gang socket. Not a difficult job to replace ! Just isolate the circuit, unless you want a new hair style.

 

[BrumJim]

I would suspect a loose wire. Isolate and investigate before buying a replacement.

 

[presta]

If I were you I'd think about what you're proposing to do with any faulty contact you find that won't leave a residual fire hazard.

 

[Dave7]

A neighbour is a retired electrician. Due to a damage shoulder (a bad fall) he cant do foreigners.
As it happens I met him early and bounced this off him. Next thing he was here with his screw driver.
I was watching as im having my driveway redone but whatever he did its now working........I will ask him as I will probably see him walking around.

Many thanks to all, your response to this technophobe has been enlightening.

 

[Dogtrousers]

You know how a familiar word. can sometimes suddenly look weird?

Gang

Why the heck is it four gang? Does that make it the gang of four?

Gang gang gang

 

[Alex321]

You know how a familiar word. can sometimes suddenly look weird?

Gang

Why the heck is it four gang? Does that make it the gang of four?

Gang gang gang

Apparently it originated before electrical socket were a thing, to describe multiple mechanical devices working as a unit, such as ploughs or saws, which then got appropriated by electricians for multiple sockets or outlets connected together.

https://english.stackexchange.com/q...e-to-represent-the-switches-in-a-light-switch

 

[gbb]

The switch might have failed or something has broken inside, there isn't much else to go wrong.
I would just replace it, flakey electrical things are never good..

Yep, that'd be my bet, failed switch, its happened to me on a light switch plate.

 

[gbb]

Apparently it originated before electrical socket were a thing, to describe multiple mechanical devices working as a unit, such as ploughs or saws, which then got appropriated by electricians for multiple sockets or outlets connected together.

https://english.stackexchange.com/q...e-to-represent-the-switches-in-a-light-switch

As I started out in the maintenance world, it seems to be confusing when an electrician asked for a 2 gang 2 way switch .

 

[Mike_P]

Not uncommon IME for one gang of a socket strip to die. Suspect its one of the metal contacts have widened so the plug pin is no longer connecting. Currently have a 2x3 strip than is dead in the middle on one side and a operative 1x 5 way rather than all 6.

 

[Gunk]

You'd be better to spur in an additional couple of proper 13A sockets. I don't have a single extension lead in our house, if ever there has been a need for an additional socket, I've had one added, 5 years we replaced the fuse board to tidy everything up.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Could be fuse in that socket. Usual setup is each socket has its own fuse. But since your friendly neighbour has sorted it, ask him, and report back.

 

[Dave7]

Could be fuse in that socket. Usual setup is each socket has its own fuse. But since your friendly neighbour has sorted it, ask him, and report back.

He did show that there was a single fuse which I think you can see if you zoom in to the photo.