Burnt or Scorched Plug Socket: What to Do

If a plug socket has brown or black marks, looks melted or smells of hot plastic, treat it as a warning sign. Stop using it, keep everyone away from it and arrange for a registered electrician to check it.

Warning signs of an overheating socket

• Yellowish, brown or burnt marks on the plug or socket.
• A faceplate that looks warped or melted.
• A plug that fits very loosely or falls out by itself.
• A soft crackling or "frying" sound in the wall.
• A smell of hot plastic near the socket.

Why it is dangerous

When the contacts inside a socket lose their grip, or the cables behind it are loose, resistance builds up and creates constant heat. That heat can deform the faceplate, damage the insulation and ignite curtains, furniture or wallpaper nearby.

What to do straight away

1. Do not touch a socket that looks scorched or smells hot.
2. Keep everyone, including children and pets, away from it.
3. Stop using that socket.
4. If you see smoke, melted plastic or hear crackling, get out, stay out and call 999 from a safe place.

What you must never do

• Do not open the socket or try to tighten the cables yourself.
• Do not carry on using a hot socket "because it still works".
• Do not plug extension leads into it.

When to call a registered electrician

Whenever a socket is discoloured, loose, crackling or smells hot. Before you call, note which socket it is, which appliance was plugged in and how long you have noticed the signs. Ask for a written quote and ask to be shown the removed part.

Want the full checklist?

This is one of the 10 most common home electrical faults. Our UK safety guide covers warning signs, quick action tables and printable checklists for every one of them: 10 Electrical Faults That Put Your Home at Risk – UK Safety Guide.

This article is for information and prevention only. It does not replace advice from a registered electrician or the regulations in force in the UK.