Electrical – Why won’t the clothing iron work in one outlet but works in others

The metal casing of the iPod caused the power strip to short out. The breaker did it's job in tripping when it sensed two much current on the line. The iPod might live, might not. But it is safe to see if it does. The power strip, even it if works, is dead. Throw it out. The circuit should be safe to turn back on.

I say should, because if was wired to code, and done correctly it would handle the current before the breaker tripped. If an oversized breaker was used on undersized wires or outlet, either/both the wires or the outlet could have failed as well. If you question the electrical work done in the house, then play it safe until you have an electrician, or even a handman friend, do a visual inspection. Or if you feel comfortable, remove the plate off the outlet and do an inspection. With the breaker still off, remove the cover plate and inspect the outlet. If you see scorch marks or evidence of smoke, you will at least have to replace the outlet. If feel even more comfortable, remove the two screws that holds the outlet to the box. Carefully pull the outlet out and inspect the wires behind. Again, looking for scorch marks inside the box and also look at the wires. If everything looks good, carefully push the outlet back into the box and re-screw. Replace cover and turn on the breaker.

On the contrary, that outlet is probably the one that has the most direct connection to the breaker. The additional wire between that outlet and the others is what reduces the current that the vacuum cleaner draws just enough to keep the breaker from tripping.