Plug socket flashed and tripped switch in fuse box

silver17

Please can someone advise.

We have had a portable mini heater plugged into a standard UK double wall socket (just plugs, no USB) for an hour or so and once I turned it off and switched the socket off, it flashed behind the panel and blew the fuse, turning off all electric from the entire house with it.

On inspecting the fuse box, it tripped the switch for the upstairs sockets circuit but the main overall house switch was off as well? I flicked both back on, and everything on the downstairs level is working normally.

Nothing has been plugged into that socket since (and both switches are also off) and we've not used any of the other upstairs sockets just in case.

Is it safe to use that socket again? Or does it need checking by a pro? I'm terrified of fire and this is in a bedroom so our phones are usually plugged into it overnight.

I'd really appreciate any advice you can give.

Thank you.

bjorn_toby_wilde

No, don’t use it until you’ve had it checked out by an electrician, unless you’re completely comfortable to DIY it.

It could have an internal fault or a wiring fault.  Either way, don’t take chances.