I'm on my second Rowenta. Never had a problem. Used them probably 20 yrs. I like that is doesn't turn off automatically and irons so smoothly, but I never leave it plugged in (or my sewing machine)when I'm not sewing. If it started at the plug I don't think it was a Rowenta problem. Probably a short at the plug. glad you were there when it happened and didn't panic!