Swan boiler - plug overheating

[jaquiss2005]

I have recently been given a Swan 18 litre boiler for homebrewing. It was in need of a good descale which I have done.

However, whilst it heats up nicely, the plug is getting very hot which I am sure isn't right, so have stopped using.

I'm no technical expert and wonder if anyone can give me an idea what the problem might be. It was being used weekly prior to being given to me.

[lord groan]

2 possibilities spring to mind straight away;
1. If the plug is one of the moulded-on ones then check the brass pins, are they tarnised and grubby - if so clean them with very fine sandpaper to get them bright again. A bit of tarnish is enough to create resistance and cause overheating
2. If not a moulded plug, take the cap off and check for loose/dirty contacts inside, same reasons as above. Are the copper tips of the wires firmly screwed down in the plug without any insulation being caught by the screw and have any of the copper strands broken leaving less than the full thickness of conductor connected to the plug pin.
Both the above have happened to me in the past.
And the other ideas-
The boiler should have a label stating the power. Make sure it is 3000w or less. Is it definitely just the plug or is the flex coming from it getting hot too? Obviously it'll be hot where it exits the plug, but if the full length of flex gets hot then it is trying to carry more power than it should and maybe someone replaced it in the past with a thinner wire than is needed.
hth

[Fil]

Or it could also be a loose connection in the socket you have it plugged into, turn off the mains before you investigate that tho. and you wild have probably noticed it the past too if this was the case..

[sparky Paul]

Assuming you have checked all of the above, old 13A sockets get tired and the connections to the plug weaken. This often only comes to light when you plug something in with a substantial wattage.

[NobbyIPA]

using black cabling and plug helps

[jaquiss2005]

Thanks for all your responses. it is max 3000W on label. Plug looks a bit old, but connections seem to be ok and it is just the plug that is getting warm. When I take plug out, the bottom 2 pins (live & neutral) are both pretty warm after a few minutes.

Is it worth putting a new plug on? its not a moulded type on there and it is the thick black cabling on there which all looks fine. Unscrewed base and all looks like new inside

[lord groan]

I'd open the plug and look for loose connections, also check the fuse fits tightly and the metal end caps are clean