The switch and the outlet that power a water pump I own last a little, burning the contacts with ease. Why does this happen?
The switch and socket are probably specified for a current less than that required by your motor. For example, a 1.5-hp motor needs 10 A at 110 V and many common switches and outlets are specified for smaller currents than this. The result is that these elements warm up and with that your contacts end up burning. If they are plastic they can still suffer deformations. In the electrical installation as in any appliance we must use switches and sockets specified for the currents of the devices that must feed.
