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uk Home & property emergencies extension lead getting hot • power strip getting hot • extension cord feels hot • extension lead soft or melting • power strip discoloured • scorch marks on extension lead • burning smell from extension lead • hot plug top • hot wall socket • overloaded extension lead • daisy chained extensions • coiled cable reel overheating • heater on extension lead • kettle on extension lead • air fryer on extension lead • surge protector overheating • tripped fuse extension lead • suspected electrical fire risk • extension lead under carpet • plug sparking in socket

What to do if…
an extension cord or power strip becomes hot, soft, or discoloured while in use

Short answer

Stop using it immediately. If it’s safe, switch off the socket and unplug at the wall (or switch off the circuit at the consumer unit) and keep the item out of service.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t keep “testing it” by plugging it back in to see if it heats up again.
  • Don’t touch softened/melted plastic or any exposed metal parts with bare hands.
  • Don’t try to “fix” it with tape, glue, or by replacing only the plug if the lead/strip has heated, softened, or discoloured.
  • Don’t overload it or run high-power appliances through it (commonly heaters, kettles, microwaves, air fryers, tumble dryers).
  • Don’t plug one extension lead/power strip into another (daisy-chaining).
  • Don’t leave a cable reel/drum lead coiled while in use.
  • Don’t run it under rugs, bedding, or furniture where heat and damage can build up.
  • Don’t use water on an electrical fire. If there is fire/smoke, prioritise getting out and calling 999; only use a suitable extinguisher if you are trained and it’s safe to do so.

What to do now

  1. Make a safer pause. If you smell burning, see smoke, hear crackling/buzzing, or the strip looks like it’s melting, move people and pets away from the area.
  2. Cut the power safely (choose the safest option):
    • Best: Switch off the socket at the wall (if it has a switch), then unplug by holding the plug (not the cable).
    • If the plug/socket area looks scorched, is sparking, or you don’t feel safe getting close: go to the consumer unit and switch off the relevant circuit (or the main switch if unsure).
  3. If anything is burning or heavy smoke is present, treat it as an emergency. Leave the area if needed and call 999.
  4. Let it cool safely. Once power is off, place the extension lead/power strip on a non-combustible surface (tile/stone/metal sink area), away from curtains, paper, bedding, and upholstery. Let it cool untouched.
  5. Take it out of use. If it became hot, soft, or discoloured, treat it as unsafe:
    • Bag it or label it “DO NOT USE” so nobody plugs it back in.
  6. Quick checks to prevent repeat overheating today (no calculations needed):
    • Look for a rating label on the lead/strip (many are 13A, but some are lower). If you can’t find a rating, treat it as “unknown” and don’t reuse it.
    • Move any high-power appliance off the extension lead and plug it directly into a wall socket where possible.
    • If it was a cable reel/drum lead, note that it should be fully unwound during use; if it overheated, keep it out of service regardless.
  7. If the wall socket seems involved, keep it off and escalate. If the wall socket was hot, discoloured, loose, crackled, or smelled of burning, keep that socket switched off (or keep the circuit off) and contact a qualified electrician. If you rent, report it to your landlord/agent as an electrical safety issue.
  8. Check for recalls if the product looks defective. If the strip/lead appears poorly made, unusually light, has damage near the plug, or you’ve had repeated heat issues, check UK product safety alerts/recalls for the brand/model and follow any “stop using immediately” instructions.
  9. If anyone is unwell or injured, treat that as urgent. Burns, electrical shock symptoms, or breathing difficulty after smoke/fumes should be assessed urgently (999 for severe symptoms).

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out exact wattages right now.
  • You do not need to decide today whether to replace sockets, rewire, or add new outlets.
  • You do not need to pin down the exact cause before making things safe.

Important reassurance

Heat, softening, or discolouration is a clear warning sign. Stopping use quickly and isolating power is the right action and meaningfully reduces fire and shock risk.

Scope note

These are first steps only—aimed at immediate safety and preventing repeat use. Later decisions (replacement, electrician inspection, landlord/insurance steps) can come once things are stable.

Important note

This is general safety information, not a substitute for a qualified electrician’s assessment. If you suspect damage to fixed wiring, or there are signs of burning/sparking, keep power off to that circuit and get professional help.

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