my dysons blown up

[jem1]

Just plugged in my dyson, and sparks flew from the lead near to the plug (but not in the plug).  It has burnt through the plastic wire coating - what is the best way to fix this?  I am not very good with electrical type stuff, and it isnt under warrenty any more. 

[Clanad]

The plug can be replaced fairly easily, but if you have no experience doing so, it's better to take the appliance to a shop to have it replaced properly.  If you were able to unplug the unit then there should be no further problems.  If the wire burned off and the plug is still in the receptacle, don't try to remove it until the circuit breaker or fuse to that circuit is turned off.  When  you're assured the circuit is isolated you can then move the plug in...

[Hermia]

This happened to my TV. I think it's to do with the wire getting kinked. My neighbour is an electrician and he just cut the manky end off and put the plug back on. Easy to do, but I would definitely recommend seeing a professional.

[brachiopod]

Looks like a damaged cord that caused the problem (it could have been caught in a door, rubbed against something sharp or just been coiled too tightly).

You just need to cut off the damaged section, strip and attach a new plug. Though if you are in any way unsure, I'd recommend getting someone to do this for you, as others have said.

As for a damaged plug from a socket, here in the UK we just turn off the switch on the socket....

[Clanad]

brachiopod, ya'll have a switch to each electrical outlet? Or is it a ground fault interrupter? Each circuit here is protected by a circuit breaker or a fuse in older homes.  There may be as many as 6 or 8 such outlets on a circuit, but no switch for each...

[brachiopod]

Yep, each socket is individually switched. Have a look ta these single gang and double gang sockets here (bottom four).

[brachiopod]

Didn't work. I'll try again.

http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/category-1.asp?***********=908

[brachiopod]

Ok try this then !!!

[Clanad]

Hmmm... unique concept.  Is the switch a push to reset like our ground fault interrupter or does it actually switch off and on like a light switch? (Can't tell from the picture)...

[gazzawazza]

It's a rocker switch which turns the socket on or off just like a light switch.  The earth leakage breakers are in the main consumer unit.