Question for anyone with electrical knowledge...

[Smiffy]

We have this weird looking socket in our hallway. It's never been used all the time we've lived here, I wouldn't know what it's for anyway!!
Would the likely wiring inside allow it to be replaced with a more useful three pin socket?
I'm a knob when it comes to electrics

 

[KenL]

Yes, but suggest you get someone to do it.
Probably an old storage heater power point.

 

[Smiffy]

Yes, but suggest you get someone to do it.
Probably an old storage heater power point.

Will the wiring inside be the same Ken?? I'm okay with that mate.
Just replaced a lot of sockets etc. in the house and I lived to tell the tale Geezer.
Just had a quick check with my voltage tester and there doesn't seem to be power going to it?????

 

[KenL]

Have you anything switched off in your fuse cupboard?
I would turn all the power off and investigate the socket.

Disclaimer - I am not an electrician but was an electronics engineer for 20 years.

 

[Smiffy]

Have you anything switched off in your fuse cupboard?
I would turn all the power off and investigate the socket.

Disclaimer - I am not an electrician but was an electronics engineer for 20 years.

Got to be honest mate, I've just googled it and I'm a little wary to go messing around with it. Looks like it could be on a different circuit to the other sockets, and there's talk about separate RCD's etc. and on a timed circuit. Above my pay grade that sort of thing lol!!
Might get a local sparks in to have a look. Might cost me a few bob but a new socket would be handy in the hallway and I'd much rather be safe than sorry.
Cheers for your replies Ken.
Much appreciated.

 

[bobmac]

Connect one of your cats to the wiring, that should give you an indication of a power presence.

 

[DCB]

It looks like an old switched spur unit, maybe fed a wall heater in the past. It may well be on a separate circuit, so, your idea of getting a spark in to check is best way to go.

 

[Fade and Die]

As said it’s probably an old heating point. Judging by the age of that switch it’s about 40+ years since it was used! it’s possibly been disconnected from the fuse box though. Did the house have storage heaters ever?

 

[Smiffy]

As said it’s probably an old heating point. Judging by the age of that switch it’s about 40+ years since it was used! it’s possibly been disconnected from the fuse box though. Did the house have storage heaters ever?

No idea fella. We've been here 20 years and it certainly didn't have any when we moved in. It's a 1930's build so may well have had some before central heating was installed.
Like I say, I'm going to leave it to the professionals. I've got a couple of other small jobs I want done, so he can kill 3 birds with one stone.
Have been in touch with a local guy who is apparently very good and offers competitive prices.
Fingers crossed he can sort it for me without too much remedial work, as I say, an extra wall socket would not go amiss.
Will keep you posted.

 

[KenL]

Connect one of your cats to the wiring, that should give you an indication of a power presence.

???

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

???

If that's a bit "cat-ist" for you it works equally as well with dogs and hamsters ?

 

[KenL]

If that's a bit "cat-ist" for you it works equally as well with dogs and hamsters ?

Or people like those who post such "jokes". ?

 

[bobmac]

Or people like those who post such "jokes". ?

Please see post no. 22147

https://forums.golfmonthly.com/threads/random-irritations-of-the-day.97913/page-1108#post-2331009

 

[KenL]

Please see post no. 22147

https://forums.golfmonthly.com/threads/random-irritations-of-the-day.97913/page-1108#post-2331009

Smiffy - shame on you.

One of my cats, 22 next month is the same as yours. Sure she has kitty alzheimers

 

[Fade and Die]

No idea fella. We've been here 20 years and it certainly didn't have any when we moved in. It's a 1930's build so may well have had some before central heating was installed.
Like I say, I'm going to leave it to the professionals. I've got a couple of other small jobs I want done, so he can kill 3 birds with one stone.
Have been in touch with a local guy who is apparently very good and offers competitive prices.
Fingers crossed he can sort it for me without too much remedial work, as I say, an extra wall socket would not go amiss.
Will keep you posted.

Always the best way....The thing might be Live and your tester is inaccurate, it might be wired with crumbling rubber cables, the Live conductor could be hanging out of the terminal waiting for you to take the plate off and touch it. Get a professional in.?

 

[clubchamp98]

We had a socket in our bedroom that when I turned the ring main off it was still live.
My sparks said it was on a separate main line in the fuse box.
He said it was probably for some medical unit ( dialysis etc) so it didn’t go off if the ring main went down for any fuse issue.
But that’s Unlikley in the hallway.
As said the small hole in the plate looks like a cable hole for a storage heater.
The wires are probably very old and disconnected.
Be safe not sorry.