Wall plug socket won’t turn off?

Hi can someone help me work out what’s wrong with the plug socket? The switch is permanently 'on' on the faceplate and when I press it to turn it off it won’t stick down, it just clicks back into ‘on’ position. I had another one do this last year but one day it just worked again and I have no idea how it was fixed. How can I fix the switch?

Asked by Pete on 15th Apr 2020
Expert Trade Answers
"Hi I am Nigel Rooney from Herts and Beds Electrical.
The simple truth is your socket is broken or worn out, depending on its age.
Over the years the spring on the rocker switch wears out and finally stops working. As the socket can not be taken apart the most cost effective way is to replace the socket / switch.
I would recommend choosing a quality replacement over a cheap replacement as the best parts normally last a lot longer.
It is is a Electricians bread and butter changing sockets and switches. Kind regards Nigel Rooney"
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Apr 2020 - report
"The switch is gone. It needs replacing
Is it single or double?"
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Apr 2020 - report
"Hi,
Sounds like a faulty faceplate switch. Best repair is to replace the faceplate. There is something wrong inside with the switch spring/toggle mechanism.
Regards
Mark"
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Jun 2019 - report
"Socket circuit needs to be identified via a voltage indicator prove the circuit is live. When proved live try to identify the circuit at the consumer unit. Isolate the circuit prove at the socket again that it’s dead. That’s the correct circuit then replace the socket with a new one. This should be carried out by a qualified electrician."
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Jun 2017 - report
"I would suggest to replace this socket as it's faulty and fixing it is just not worth it. Even if it starts working again there is always a risk of loose components inside the socket."
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Jan 2019 - report
"Faulty rocker switch or burnt out.

This will need to be replaced"
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
"The mechanical part of the switch in the socket has probably worn off."
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
"It just needs a new socket front replacing. The switch mechanism breaks inside and cannot be repaired"
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Jan 2019 - report
"It's sounds like a faulty Socket. It happens sometimes. I suggested that you buy a new socket as they are not expensive and it's better to be safe than sorry."
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
"The whole faceplate needs to be replaced unfortunately."
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Sep 2018 - report
"Best to get the socket itself replaced. The switch itself sounds like it's given up the ghost so it cannot be fixed"
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Feb 2020 - report
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