How can a simple kettle break?

[StageLeft]

It's one you plug in and it whistles when finished. Is it internally shorting and if so, why would it? Also, what is the max amp pull from a typical socket (it's one by the sink, so connected to the safety setup)?

 

[StageLeft]

!

 

[Mark R]

What do you mean by 'safety switch'? Does the socket have integral residual current protection (if it does it will have a 'test' button, and be marked with a current rating - typically 30 mA, or 0.03 A).

If so, then if that trips, it indicates an earth leakage fault. This indicates the an abnormal connection is being made from hot to ground (case of the kettle). This is a very common problem with equipment using heating elements (e.g. kettles, water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.) and indicates that the heating element is beginning to degrade.

It's not normally recommended to use kettles, washers, etc. on residual current protected outlets for this reason - some leakage is inevitable in a water heater - and it may be enough to cause nuisance tripping. That said, it is an early sign that the element is degrading, so the easy and safest thing is to replace the kettle before the element dies with a more dangerous fault.

 

[StageLeft]

What do you mean by 'safety switch'? Does the socket have integral residual current protection (if it does it will have a 'test' button, and be marked with a current rating - typically 30 mA, or 0.03 A).

Yep!

I'll replace it. I've always used it on this outlet and this is the first time any problem. Thanks!