Sockets & Outlets

Can I add more sockets to my home?

Yes — adding sockets is one of the most common electrical jobs in the UK. It must be done by a Part P registered electrician or notified to Building Control if in certain locations.

Why is my double socket showing signs of burning around the screw terminals?

Burning marks around the screw terminals of a double socket are almost always caused by a loose or poorly made connection creating high resistance, which generates heat and can start a fire. Turn off the circuit at the consumer unit immediately and do not use the socket. This is a serious electrical fault. A qualified electrician must inspect and replace the socket before it is used again. Do not attempt to retighten the screws yourself and continue using it.

Why is my socket arcing inside the wall when I plug in my kettle?

Arcing inside a wall socket when plugging in a kettle is almost always caused by a loose or burnt terminal connection inside the socket or at the fuse spur. The high current draw of a kettle exposes weak connections that would not arc under lighter loads. Switch off the socket at the consumer unit immediately, do not use it again, and call a Part P registered electrician. This is a fire and electrocution risk and should be treated as urgent.

What is a fused spur and when do I need one?

A fused spur (FCU) is a fixed connection point with its own fuse — used for appliances that are wired directly rather than plugged in, like cooker hoods, dishwashers, or bathroom extractor fans.

Why does my socket outlet feel loose?

A loose socket outlet is most commonly caused by worn internal contacts, a loose mounting box, or the socket faceplate not sitting flush against the wall. Turn off the circuit at the consumer unit before investigating. Do not continue using a loose socket as arcing across poor connections can cause overheating and fire. If the socket sparks, feels warm, or shows scorch marks, treat it as urgent and call a qualified electrician.

Why has my plug socket stopped working?

Check the consumer unit for a tripped MCB. If the circuit is on but the socket is dead, the socket itself has failed or there is a wiring fault.

Why do my sockets get hot?

Hot sockets are most commonly caused by loose wiring connections, overloading, or a faulty socket outlet itself. Stop using the socket immediately if it feels hot to the touch, is discoloured, or smells of burning. Loose terminals cause arcing and resistance heating, which is a serious fire risk. Do not attempt to investigate live. Call a qualified electrician — hot sockets rarely fix themselves and the fault will worsen. If the socket is very hot, sparking, or smoking, switch off at the consumer unit and call an emergency electrician without delay.

Why does my socket smell burnt?

A burnt smell from a socket is most commonly caused by a loose or arcing connection inside the socket or at the wiring terminals, which generates heat and scorches the surrounding plastic. Turn off the circuit at the consumer unit immediately, do not use the socket, and call a qualified electrician. This is a fire and electric shock risk — never ignore a burnt smell from any electrical outlet.

Why does my socket smell of burning plastic when the microwave runs?

A burning plastic smell from a socket when the microwave runs almost always means a loose or overheating connection inside the socket itself — caused by arcing at a poorly made terminal. Stop using that socket immediately, switch off the circuit at the consumer unit, and do not use the microwave until the socket has been inspected and replaced by a qualified electrician. This is a fire and electric shock risk and should not be ignored or left overnight.

Why is my socket arcing inside the wall?

Arcing inside a wall socket is most commonly caused by a loose terminal connection, where poor contact causes electrical current to jump across a gap, generating heat, light, and a crackling sound. Turn off the circuit at the consumer unit immediately and do not use the socket. This is a serious fire and electric shock hazard. Do not investigate inside the socket yourself — contact a Part P registered electrician as soon as possible.

Can I add more sockets to my home?

Yes — but adding a new circuit requires a qualified electrician and Part P notification. Adding a spur to an existing ring circuit is more straightforward.

Can I use an extension lead permanently?

Permanently using an extension lead is strongly discouraged — it's a fire risk. The proper solution is to have additional sockets installed.

Why does my socket spark when I plug something in?

A small spark when plugging in an appliance is often normal. Large sparks, repeated sparking, or a burning smell mean the socket must be checked immediately.

Why is my socket getting hot when nothing is plugged in?

A socket getting hot with nothing plugged in almost always indicates a loose or deteriorating internal connection causing resistance heating — a serious fire risk. Turn off the circuit at the consumer unit immediately, do not use the socket, and call a qualified electrician. This is not a fault to monitor or delay on. In rare cases a faulty neighbouring circuit sharing a spur can contribute, but loose terminations inside the socket are the most common cause.

Why does my appliance socket keep sparking at night?

A sparking appliance socket at night is most commonly caused by a loose or worn terminal connection arcing under load. Switch off the socket at the wall and unplug any appliances immediately. Avoid using it until inspected. If the sparking is persistent, accompanied by a burning smell, discolouration, or tripping of the RCD, stop using the circuit and call a qualified electrician — this is a potential fire and electric shock hazard.

Why is my socket arcing inside the wall when I plug in high-power appliances?

Arcing inside a wall socket when plugging in high-power appliances is most commonly caused by loose or corroded terminal connections that cannot handle the surge of current demand. This creates dangerous electrical arcing that can ignite surrounding materials. Switch off the circuit at the consumer unit immediately and do not use the socket. This is a fire and electrocution risk that requires a qualified electrician to inspect and repair before the socket is used again.

Why does my bathroom socket smell burnt when I use the hairdryer?

A burnt smell from your bathroom shaver socket or shaving light unit when using a hairdryer almost always means the socket is overloaded or has a loose internal connection. Most bathroom sockets are shaver-only units rated at just 20VA, not designed for high-wattage hairdryers. Stop using it immediately, switch off at the consumer unit, and call a qualified electrician. Continuing to use it risks fire or electric shock, especially in a wet environment.

Why has one socket stopped working?

A single dead socket is usually a tripped MCB, a faulty socket, a blown fuse in the plug, or a loose wire connection behind the socket.

Why does my socket spark when I plug something in?

A small spark when plugging in an appliance is usually normal — it's static or inrush current. A large spark, burning smell, or repeated sparking means the socket needs replacing immediately.

What is the difference between a switched and unswitched socket?

A switched socket has a rocker switch to cut power without unplugging. An unswitched socket is always live when something is plugged in. Both are equally safe — it's a matter of convenience.