I have an oven that was installed prior to moving into the property. It was connected to a regular UK plug socket via a regular plug. Recently power to the oven has been cutting out and it sounded like a dodgy connection within the socket (sounds of sparks while flipping the switch on and off). Today I have changed the socket but it took a great deal of effort to remove the oven plug, as I can see the N prong looks corroded, and the socket shows signs of melting in the corresponding position.
Is this likely to be a dodgy socket or is it possible that it's unsafe wiring? Is it safe to plug the oven into a regular wall socket? The power cable happens to be 4 wired even though only 3 are used, making me suspect a bodge job.
From the manual, the oven needs 220-240V 50Hz, power consumption 2.3 kW, fuse min 13 A. (Plug has 13 A and no fuses tripped anywhere at any time).
Thanks!
Best Answer
Replace your socket if my memory serves me right European wiring - Brown is your hot and blue is your neutral. Your socket looks heavily damaged and will cause you problems even with a new plug - it is a safety hazard. The resistance at that point is higher than it should be (think HEAT - melting eventual falling apart - loose hanging moving unshielded wires..).
I am not familiar enough with European codes to state whether you can plug it into a wall socket - the current carrying capacity of the wall socket wiring might be lower than your dedicated oven socket. If that is the case you will burn your house wiring and possibly burn your house down.
Replace your socket - it is not that difficult - but by all means TURN OFF ANY CIRCUIT BREAKERS or REMOVE FUSES that supply power to that Circuit. Test with a volt meter first to verify no power. Even when power is removed: use the one hand rule and work on the circuit as if it is LIVE!