Melted Plug: What To Do
- How urgent
- Emergency
- Who fixes it
- An electrician
What's happening?
A plug melts when heat builds up where metal meets metal: a loose terminal screw inside the plug, a fuse sitting badly in its clips, or socket contacts that no longer grip the pins. A loose connection gets hot at normal current, so the fuse often does not blow; the plastic softens instead. UK plugs should be made to BS 1363 and carry a BS 1362 fuse (3A or 13A for most appliances, according to Electrical Safety First), and a counterfeit plug can fail far sooner. Look at both halves. If only the plug is distorted, the plug or the appliance lead is the likely source. If the socket faceplate is also brown, warped or scorched, its contacts have been cooked too and it has to be replaced. High loads left running for hours (heaters, tumble dryers, washing machines), especially through an extension lead, are the usual trigger.
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What usually causes it?
- A loose terminal screw or partly broken wire inside a rewireable plug
- Worn or weakened socket contacts that no longer grip the plug pins firmly
- A fuse that is loose in its clips, or the wrong rating for the appliance
- A heater, tumble dryer or washing machine run for hours through an extension lead or adaptor
- A counterfeit or non-compliant plug not made to BS 1363
- Damaged appliance flex where it enters the plug, with broken strands heating up
Is it dangerous?
Yes. Plastic only melts after sustained overheating, and the same heat can ignite the socket, the back box or anything touching it. Because a loose connection overheats without drawing extra current, the fuse and the circuit breaker may never trip to warn you. If the plug is still hot, the socket is scorched, or you can smell burning after switching off, treat it as a live fire risk: keep everyone clear and call 999 if there is any smoke or flame.
Can I fix it myself?
Only make it safe. 1. Switch the circuit off at the consumer unit (fuse box), or the main switch if you are not sure which circuit it is. 2. Do not pull a hot or fused plug out of the socket; leave it to cool with the power off. 3. Once cool and still switched off, remove the plug and do not use that socket or that appliance again until both are checked. 4. Look at other plugs on the same extension lead or circuit for brown marks or warping. 5. Check the appliance against the Electrical Safety First product recall list. Fitting a new plug to the appliance does not fix the socket: its contacts have been heat-damaged and need replacing by an electrician.
When should you call an electrician?
Book an electrician the same day if a plug has melted in a wall socket. The socket needs replacing and the wiring and back box behind it need checking for heat damage. Treat it as urgent if the faceplate is scorched, the circuit trips when you switch back on, other sockets on the circuit are discoloured, or the smell of burning continues. Call 999 first if there is smoke or flame.
What will the electrician actually do?
- Isolate the circuit and remove the melted plug and socket safely
- Inspect the back box, cable ends and insulation behind the socket for heat damage, cutting back to sound cable
- Fit a new socket and tighten terminations correctly
- Test the circuit (continuity, insulation resistance and polarity) to confirm nothing else overheated
- Check the appliance lead and plug, fit a BS 1363 plug with the correct BS 1362 fuse if the appliance is otherwise sound
- Advise on high-load appliances and extension lead use on that circuit
What to tell the electrician after making safe
Report the appliance used, any extension lead or adaptor, when the damage was noticed and whether smoke, heat or a smell continued. Say what was switched off. Take photos only once it is safe and without touching, pulling or dismantling the damaged fitting.
The inspection needs to consider the plug, appliance lead, socket and nearby wiring; replacing one visible part may not resolve the cause. Ask which investigation, repair and tests are included, and who deals with any appliance repair or product recall.
Who fixes this
What it usually costs
- Emergency Electrician Cost
- £80–£100 / hour
- Socket Installation Cost
- £100–£200
Questions people ask
What should I do if a plug has melted?
Why did my plug melt but the fuse did not blow?
Can I just change the plug and keep using the socket?
Is a melted plug a fire risk?
Which appliances most often melt plugs?
Should I report a melted plug?
Sources & References
Before you book, read how to check an electrician is qualified.
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