Hot plug - buffalo water boiler

[DrFuggles]

Hi all,

I've just received a 40 ltr 2.6kw buffalo water boiler and did a test boil with it today using 15 litres of water.

All went well and I got a good rolling boil within 30 mins. However, when I unplugged it as I switched it off, I noticed that the live and neutral pins of the plug were pretty hot and the plug casing was warm to the touch. The cord was not warm.

It was plugged direct into a socket in the kitchen and not on any extension leads.

Is this normal for electric boilers?


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[processhead]

If the connection at the socket is less than ideal, the resulting resistance will cause the socket and plug to heat.

Normal wear to the socket can cause the internal contacts to loosen resulting in the aforementioned resistance.

Corrosion on the mating surfaces will result in the same thing happening.

This may not be noticeable with smaller appliances, but large electrical appliances like your boiler will increase the heating effect of a poor connection.

Were it mine, I would replace the receptacle with a new one. In some cases, fires have resulted from overheated electrical connections.

 

[P-J]

If the connection at the socket is less than ideal, the resulting resistance will cause the socket and plug to heat.

Normal wear to the socket can cause the internal contacts to loosen resulting in the aforementioned resistance.

Corrosion on the mating surfaces will result in the same thing happening.

This may not be noticeable with smaller appliances, but large electrical appliances like your boiler will increase the heating effect of a poor connection.

Were it mine, I would replace the receptacle with a new one. In some cases, fires have resulted from overheated electrical connections.

Excellent advice. Change the outlet (and the plug as well) even if you do not intend to use that outlet again for the same mission.

P-J

 

[DrFuggles]

Thanks all. Great advice. In a rented property so replacing sockets isn't possible.

I have managed to find a socket that I can boil my kettle in without too much warming, so I'm going to give it a go, but will check the plug and socket every few mins.

Knew I should have gone for gas!


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[processhead]

Thanks all. Great advice. In a rented property so replacing sockets isn't possible.

I have managed to find a socket that I can boil my kettle in without too much warming, so I'm going to give it a go, but will check the plug and socket every few mins.

Knew I should have gone for gas!


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If a tenant reports that there is a receptacle that is overheating, a responsible land lord would be all over it. It's in the land lords own best interest to protect his property and avoid liability from an injured tenant.

 

[Brew_Meister_General]

Hi all,

I've just received a 40 ltr 2.6kw buffalo water boiler and did a test boil with it today using 15 litres of water.

All went well and I got a good rolling boil within 30 mins. However, when I unplugged it as I switched it off, I noticed that the live and neutral pins of the plug were pretty hot and the plug casing was warm to the touch. The cord was not warm.

It was plugged direct into a socket in the kitchen and not on any extension leads.

Is this normal for electric boilers?


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

Hey have you mashed in it since? I was thinking of getting a 40ltr Buffalo and turning it into a mash tun but I've only heard of people using for BIAB so I'm not too sure whether it will work or not.