wrote in message
...
On 30 Jul, 23:59, "Peter Phillips" pfphillips
wrote:
Hi. I connected up a new halogen lamp to a six-way socket array. A minute
or
so later there was a phut, then, after a few seconds, the halogen lamp
went
out. I tried to switch off the mains socket, but it seems to be stuck. So
I
just pulled out the six-way socket array, and plugged it in somewhere
else.
It's ok.

(The fuse cupboard looks normal. I don't think anything has tripped.)

So, what could have happened to the frozen switch? How can I fix it?

Thanks.

It wasn't an old crabtree - rounded edges and recessed switches - was
it? The switches on the earlier (i.e. early 70s) versions of those are
notoriously prone to failing under short circuit conditions.


It's a double wall-socket. The socket holes themselves are embedded in a
dark-brown plastic surround, shaped like upside down T's. These plastic
mounts are located in a (sort of pretentious) brass plate. The switches seem
to be made of gold-painted plastic. I've no idea of the make.

Thanks for the input.