Replacing Spur sockets

[thedaftbird]

I have just moved into a new flat and the storage heater doesn't work. We replaced the spur socket as it appeared faulty and upon further inspection it had melted inside. Having replaced the spur the storage heater still doesn't work. Is there anything I should replace/check? I'm loath to call in a sparky until I really have to.

 

[breezer]

storage heater only come on at night, have you tried testing it then, and how did you test it?

 

[dingbat]

If, after leaving the heater switched on overnight, it still doesn't work you might find that the thermal link has melted - very common with older Creda heaters. Take the front cover and/or top panel off (switch off the power before you do as there are exposed live parts inside). Close to where the controls are mounted you may find a small puddle of melted metal. You may also find a small label which says something like "Link Part No."

If this is the case you may now need to phone around to find a supplier - if you're lucky you'll have a little old hardware shop that specialises in heating elements and suchlike. If you're still none the wiser, best call in a spark to have a look for you.

 

[securespark]

Or if the spur has "melted inside", it may have tripped the supply.

 

[dingbat]

We replaced the spur socket...

A storage heater should not be on a spur. Nor on a socket, come to that. Each heater should have its own radial circuit, protected by a 15A fuse or 16A circuit breaker and terminating in a switched connection unit close to the heater. So, as secure has mentioned, check that the fuse hasn't blown or circuit breaker tripped.