RBM wrote:
"Hobbyist" wrote in message
...
When I switch my kettle off at the electric socket, a brief flash of
green light is visible behind the socket. Is this normal, or could it
be dangerous? Supposedly it's ok if the kettle plug is earthed?

Adam.

Any time a switch makes or breaks a contact while under a load, it will
cause an arc. Typically you can't see it, because it's enclosed inside the
device, but it exists and is perfectly normal. That being said, there could
still be something wrong with the device or the connection, so having a
professional look at it is a good idea

I believe kettles are relatively high watt loads. And with 230V the arc
may be larger. Could be entirely normal. Or possibly not.

A better place to ask the question is probably
uk.d-i-y
Last I saw it was a very active newsgroup and handled UK electrical
questions. This newsgroup is primarily US and Canada. It is really
surprising how much different the electrical practice in the UK is. For
instance sockets do not have switches this side the pond. And we do not
have 32A general use branch circuits and never ring circuits.

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