Have two double gang 13amp electrical sockets which seem to be linked, one either side of an external brick wall. Outer one is in a conservatory but recent heavy rain seems to have penetrated the seal between conservatory and wall and got into it. Now neither work. Checked fuse boxes, all OK. Any comments or advice?

Pat M, March 2008

It is unlikely to be the socket at fault.

If this has ever been actually ooutside and it has been done properly there will be an RCD in circuit which would be what would trip out with water ingress.

If you are unfamiliar with an RCD.....depending on the type when they trip its not always obvious.

If this is new to you google RCD and find a picture.

Regards

Steve

Steve, March 2008

It is unlikely to be the socket at fault.

If this has ever been actually ooutside and it has been done properly there will be an RCD in circuit which would be what would trip out with water ingress.

If you are unfamiliar with an RCD.....depending on the type when they trip its not always obvious.

If this is new to you google RCD and find a picture.

Regards

Steve

Steve, March 2008

(1) Make your conservatory weatherproof again.
(2) You can get waterproof sockets for use outdoors - you could fit one of those!
(3) You could probably dry the socket out with hot air from a hair drier say, but depending on how long the water has been in contact with the inside of the socket, it could well have cuased a lot of internal corrosion which will remain even when all of moisture has been removed - which could cause high resistance and overheating.
Given that a new socket patress is fairly inexpensive, the best thing to do is replace it!

J, March 2008