electrical outlet melted and smells like fish?

This should be checked by a licensed electrician IMMEDIATELY. If at all possible, find out which circuit breaker is controlling this receptacle and turn it off. The receptacle itself may not have anything plugged into it. But, it is likely to be serving as the splice to continue the circuit. If you are continuing to use other items connected to this circuit, you could still have a big problem.

Do not settle for a 'handyman' either. Demand that the person fixing this is a licensed electrician.

I am an electrician, not a lawyer, so I am not going to attempt giving you legal advice. But, this should be considered a hazardous condition. Your specific rights may vary from one area to another.

If you have access to the breaker box you should find the breaker that controls that outlet and turn it off asap. It's most likely a wiring problem. Maybe the heater was pulling more power than the wire can handle. Normally this should trip the breaker but if the wrong breaker is being used then it will allow it. Dont go too crazy...I seriously doubt that your house is going to burn down but its not worth the risk. Keep bugging the landlord about this and keep an eye on the outlet. touch the wall and see if it cools of at all since you've unplugged the heater. If it doesnt. Have a fire extinguisher ready just in case.

Not likely for a fire to start, when there is no wattage being pulled. However, since your landlord is being a douche, I'd call 911, and express a concern that the wires may be fused inside the wall, and most probably it has other outlets and switches on the same breaker. Insist they turn the breaker off for your safety, either your landlord will kick you out or pay a lot more attention to you in the future. Best part, if he kicks you out sue him. You will win. He will be less likely to be a douce in the future. I don't think you have a problem, but you can't know that for sure since something was fried. Going to sleep in this place without a check would be very stupid.

The "multi-outlet plug thing" is called and octopus outlet. The 59 cent outlet you get at the DIY store is rated for 15 Amps. The 12 Gauge wire is rate for 20 Amps, and a good thing it is. Don't buy any 15 Amp outlet that allows you to strip the wire and shove it into a hole in the back. Only bend the wire and put it under the screw. "A good mechanical contact is a good electrical contact." Spend about $5 and get the 20Amp outlet. Stop using the octopus outlet because if the fire started while you were out of the house, good bye house.

RE:

electrical outlet melted and smells like fish?

I had a heater plugged into an outlet for a couple hours. I noticed a really bad fishy smell in the room. I checked the heater and the cord was really hot, so I unplugged it. It looks like the outlet melted where heater was plugged in. The wall above the outlet was warm, too. I just won't use...

Lic Electrician is right about the fact that you may have stab back outlets that the outlet is a splice point. Temporarily plug something with low wattage like a lamp into the outlet so you can locate and turn off the breaker that feeds the outlet.

Fishy Smell In House

tell the landlord you dont want him to check it out anyhow you want

a qualified master electrician. period.. tell him he has 1 hour, and then

your calling the fire dept. this is fair, since you gave him prior notice.

since you felt the wall it was warm we have to assume the worst

and say there is a possibility that the wires MAY be damaged. and the

fire dept will probably tell you the same, if they feel its not safe it is your

landlords obligation to put you up in a hotel until its fixed, at least it is here.

jsut as a precaution please check all your fire detectors and make sure they

are working ok. i am not trying to scare you just trying to protect you.

ps i love your name lol