Someone could be hurt
A socket is sparking or smells of burning
Sparks, a buzzing sound, a scorch mark, or that hot plastic smell.
If somebody is hurt, or there are flames, call Rescue 1122 first. Do that before you read the rest of this page.
Do this now
- Switch that circuit off at the DB. If you cannot tell which breaker it is, switch off the main.
- Once the power is off, unplug whatever was in that socket.
- Open a window if there is smoke or a smell of hot plastic.
- Keep children away from it, and do not use that socket again until an electrician has opened it.
Opens WhatsApp with the steps written out, for you to choose who gets them.
Whatever you do, don't
- Do not pour water on an electrical fire. If there are flames, get everyone out and call Rescue 1122.
- Do not touch the socket with wet hands, and never put anything metal into it.
- Do not switch the breaker back on to see if it holds. It tripped because it was doing its job.
Then what?
This is not a wait-until-the-weekend job. A socket that sparks once will spark again, usually with something plugged into it. Message us and say it is a sparking socket. Leave that circuit off until we have been.
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Tell us what has happened and whether you have managed to stop it.
Khara kaam, khara daam