Forum Discussion

JadeP1995's avatar
JadeP1995
Joining in
28 days ago

Wifi Booster burning out socket

Hi, we've had our booster for a few months now and after taking out the plug the other day, we have noticed that it has left a black residue on the socket and wall, so obviously we have stopped using it.

After looking at other posts regarding this, I can see that this is a common occurrence, which is absolutely mind-blowing as to why Virgin would still send these out to people knowing that this could happen.

In any case, I'm hoping someone from Virgin can help us here with next steps. We have the boosters in here as the Wi-Fi has difficulty reaching our upstairs rooms, so we need an alternative, just preferably not one that will set the house on fire whilst we're out.

Furthermore, for those who have had this problem before, what was the end result once all was sorted, I envisage we're going to have to look into an electrician to check all is safe with the socket itself. I think the wall will be okay as it seems to be smoke residue but still not ideal.

Pics attached for reference.

 

  • I think it’s certainly an issue with the pod as we have an extension cable plugged in and there is no burn out on the left hand side. Going to call up VM today to see what options we have but I’m apprehensive about getting a replacement as it seems to be a recurring issue for a lot of people

    • Gareth_L's avatar
      Gareth_L
      Forum Team

      Hi JadeP1995.

      Thanks for your first post and welcome to our community.
      Sorry to see the images from the Pod and the damage caused to your socket.
      I'd like to get this escalated with the right team who will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
      If you don't mind, I'll need to send you a private message to pass security. 
      If you can check the envelope at the top right of your screen that would be great. 
      Gareth_L
       

  • Tudor's avatar
    Tudor
    Very Insightful Person

    Check out the wiring at the back of the socket, that’s possibly the cause as the pod itself does not look burnt. Bad wiring at the back of the socket is not detected unless you have a RCD.

  • Adduxi's avatar
    Adduxi
    Very Insightful Person

    I'm wondering if that is overheating, as the Pod looks to be unmarked.  The wall however IMHO is covered in dust from the fan points on the back of the Pod?  Could be completely wrong however

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta

    I have noted an increasing number of reports on this forum covering the thermal failure of White VM Pods.  Including reports just like this where thermal and / or smoke damage has occurred to the wall socket or to the customers décor.

  • Do please let Trading Standards know of this very serious incident 

    https://www.tradingstandards.uk/consumer-help/

    VM legacy boosters had a similar safety risk 

    https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2024/09/safety-concerns-raised-over-virgin-media-uks-legacy-wifi-boosters.html#google_vignette

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • jbrennand's avatar
    jbrennand
    Very Insightful Person

    Thats a pod not a booster.  It was the old boosters that had this problem - not seen many pods reported as such.  As you say you should check the wiring in that plug socket.

    You would be best placed to call it in as a fault as VM can take a few days to respond here.  They will probably just send another as replacement.

    You could consider sourcing your own wifi improvement option.  If you do want to invest in better equipment, you would need to get either a…  (1) Mesh System, (2) Wireless router, (3) Wireless access point(s), (4) a pair of good quality Wifi Powerline Adaptors, or a combination of (2&3). £40-150  should sort it for most customers with an average property and usage. Spend more for additional advanced“features” - if required.