Help
A socket getting hot
A socket that's hot, crackling, blackened or smells of burning is a warning to take seriously. Here's what to do straight away.
The most common causes
- A loose connection behind the socket
- Too many appliances on the same socket or extension block
- A worn socket or plug
- A powerful appliance (heater, tumble dryer…) on a socket not meant for it
When to call me
- A socket or switch blackens, melts or smells of burning
- A socket crackles
- An extension block or lead gets hot
- The fuse box gets hot
What to do straight away
Unplug
Unplug whatever is plugged into the socket, if you can do so without touching any damaged part.
Switch off the circuit
At the fuse box, switch off that socket's circuit breaker. If in doubt, switch off the main switch.
Don't touch it again
Don't take the socket apart or use it again until it has been checked. Call me.
Smoke or flames: leave the room and call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Is a slightly warm socket normal?
A socket powering a strong appliance can be slightly warm. If it's hot, crackles or changes colour, that's not normal: switch off and call me.
Is it enough to change the socket?
Not always. If the cause is a damaged cable or connection, a new socket won't fix it: the circuit needs checking.
Is it dangerous to plug extension blocks into each other?
Yes: it overloads the wall socket. It's better to add sockets where they're missing.
Let's talk about your installation.
One call is enough to know what needs doing. For a breakdown, it's the fastest way.
0474 32 53 01