Hi from a gran with a dodgy socket.

[supergran]

Hi everyone, I have a problem I hope you can help with. Today I plugged a small fan heater into an extension lead with 4 outlets. Also plugged in was a tumble dryer and small dehumidifier. The dryer was OFF, the dehumidifier was on. After around 15 minutes I could smell that distinctive electrical burning, a bit 'fishy'. Switched it off at the wall socket and the plug was hot. There is a light brown mark on the cover but what is most concerning is that the plug is now stuck in the socket and will not come out, it comes out about 3or 4 mms but no further. I'm well and truly stuck! Should I just get a screwdriver behind it and prise it out (with the sockets circuit off of course) or will that damage it?

 

[westward10]

No get an electrician out.

 

[The Ghost]

EDIT: Maybe best to get a spark in.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Definitely a No from me! its possibly stuck in as something has melted or fused it together. you need an electrician. its never wise to go around putting metal things in electrical outlets!

 

[supergran]

Its the extension plug thats burned and stuck in the socket. The dryer was not on at the time and has been fine. The heater is a small one and I was shocked it happened with that and not the dryer.

 

[supergran]

Is it my fault then and not the socket? Its a rented property and the landlord will not spend money on it so its falling apart. I am moving out in 2 weeks so am gutted this happened now. If it is my fault he will keep my deposit.

I would be very careful with the screwdriver, and make sure it didn't touch any prongs, and turn it off at the mains too. I promise I won't stick it ion any holes .

 

[SparkyChick]

Don't take a screw driver to it. I've tried to extract a plug in just such a situation with a crowbar and I failed.

The best advice is to get a recommendation from family, friends, colleagues for a local electrician.

Providing the wiring in the back of the socket is OK, replacing the socket is a relatively quick job and shouldn't cost too much.

If you could be a bit more precise (a town for example), one of the guys may be able to get it sorted for you.

 

[camerabloke]

Here we go again. An op who won’t listen

 

[supergran]

A friend has a relative who is a sparky, he might look at it for me if he isn't too busy, but if he can't I would be very grateful if someone can look for me. Thank you. I will ask in the morning.

 

[Octopus]

How often do we hear "the landlord won't spend any money" ffs!

A small fee to keep tenants safe.

Something needs to change to get these cheapskates brought into the real world ....

 

[supergran]

Here we go again. An op who won’t listen

I'm not disregarding anything, or not listening. I'm learning and grateful for the advice. I've always wanted to understand things even as a kid and ask questions. I'm sorry if I appeared to be dismissive.

 

[The Ghost]

You should not lose your deposit though. By law it should be held by an independent trustee deposit company who will ensure that any cost is fairly deducted from your deposit. And there is a dispute process in the event of any disagreement. I hope the landlord was not so unscrupulous as to keep the deposit in his own bank.

 

[supergran]

How often do we hear "the landlord won't spend any money" ffs!

A small fee to keep tenants safe.

Something needs to change to get these cheapskates brought into the real world ....

I have been flushing the loo manually by lifting the lid and pushing down the ballcock to fill the cistern because he said we can't all live in luxury, this was the day I moved in 18 months ago and must have been like that for the previous tenant!! I will be glad to leave but want to know that this socket is safe, not just for me but for the poor soul whi will be in here after me.

 

[supergran]

Yes he has kept it in his own bank.

 

[The Ghost]

He has broken the law then. You should take advice upon the matter as soon as you may.
Tenancy deposit protection - GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection