oh whatever is the matter? we had a kettle that kept turning itself on so.. we bought a new kettle 8 weeks ago and I boil the kettle, it turns itself off and within minutes it turns itself on again. Now, is this because we have power surges and it does something to the kettle? will this always happen, do i buy another kettle??? any ideas,thanks

Apart from the actual switch that turns off the kettle when it boils most electric kettles also have an internal thermal safety cut-out.

This could well cut out before the kettle completely boils because of abnormally low voltage as this raises the amperage. It would then come back on again after a few minutes. This can also happen when the kettle gets clogged up with cal but this is unlikely in the case of your new kettle.

If it is low voltage that is causing the problem you should also take steps to protect the motor on your refrigerator which can burn out at low voltages. You can buy a switch that goes between the 'fridge and the socket which only allows it to come on when the voltage is within acceptable parameters.