Electricity usage is at an all-time high these days, as modern living comes with an ever-growing number of devices and appliances that demand more and more electric power. The electric outlets in your home are designed to safely deliver electricity to your home devices and appliances.
You might notice at some point that an electrical outlet feels hot when you touch it. Whether your outlet feels that way when an appliance is plugged in or if it feels hot when nothing is plugged in, take it as a warning sign that may require immediate attention.
A warm outlet could indicate faulty wiring, overloading, or a damaged plug, among other issues. When you discover a hot outlet, respond quickly, as an electrical glitch could cause damage to your devices or even be a fire hazard.
What Causes An Outlet To Get Hot
Overloaded Circuit
Plugging in too many appliances can overload a circuit. Electrical circuits are designed to manage a stable release of electricity, but even the most well-made modern circuits have a limit. Using too many high-power items on one circuit can create excessive heat. While it can be normal for an outlet to feel slightly hot in these cases, it should never be to the point where it creates a burning sensation when you touch it.
Faulty Wiring
When electrical wires become frayed, they can melt. If that happens, you will probably notice a burning smell apart from it feeling extremely warm. This is a definite sign that your wiring is outdated and needs replacing due to exposure to moisture or years of use. You'll want a professional to perform an electrical repair when that happens.
Loose Connections
Electrical currents flow through electrical wires at a measured rate, which is dependent on the necessary resistance in the circuit. When a connection is loose, heat is generated as the electricity attempts to flow through a smaller contact area. This increased resistance loosens the connection further, which can cause the outlet to overheat and might also cause a power outage.
Dust Buildup
Even something as seemingly innocuous as dust can cause difficulties in your electrical outlets. When dust accumulates and gets trapped within this component, heat can build up, potentially causing a short circuit and other hazards.
When this happens, things can start to heat up and make it difficult to troubleshoot since the damage is inside the outlet.
Loose or Damaged Plugs
Electrical plugs often become impaired over time due to use, although improper plug installations can also cause problems. When wires are not the right length or when plugs are not screwed in tightly enough, these faults can lead to overheating and prompt a fire hazard.
While DIY electrical plug replacement might sound easy, improper installation can lead to severe electrical issues.
Power Surges
Power surges caused by lightning or fluctuations in the delivery of electrical current from the power grid can damage your electrical system and potentially cause an electrical fire. The outlet itself can overheat during power surges and either melt or become corroded, compromising its inner workings.
Reliance on Power Strips
Each home has a specific number of electrical outlets, and many people now rely on power strips to deal with increased device use. While they are convenient, power strips increase the wattage used by a particular outlet. The increased electrical load can exceed an outlet’s rated capacity, causing it to overheat.
Many power strips are also made with inferior materials and don’t always have the wiring needed to handle high-powered devices. If you choose to use a power strip, be sure to monitor its condition and how it is functioning. Don’t plug in devices that require a lot of power, like fridges or air conditioners.
Are Hot Outlets Dangerous?
Whenever an outlet feels hot to the touch, it’s a sign to be careful and assess the situation. Hot outlets can be potentially dangerous, depending on the cause. At the lower end of the risk scale, this can indicate a problem that might damage your appliances. If this happens, you may need to repair or make replacements if they become damaged beyond repair.
More importantly, touching a damaged outlet can give you a dangerous electric shock. As a buildup of heat develops behind the scenes, the potential for an electrical fire can go unnoticed. You should be on a higher alert if your outlet is warm when nothing is plugged in. This means that the problem is internal and constant, and the blame possibly lies somewhere along the wiring or connections. When things are connected, you can easily disconnect them, but if this is happening when things aren’t, you’ll want to get this looked at by an electrician.
What To Do If An Electrical Outlet Feels Warm
Switch off the Power Supply
As soon as you discover a hot outlet, immediately switch off the power supply at the circuit breaker to prevent further damage and risks. Your electric panel often designates which breaker affects each part of the house.
Once the power supply is turned off, you can assess the situation while avoiding a potential electric shock or a fire hazard. If you have an Ohm meter, check the outlet, making sure the power has been effectively turned off before proceeding. If in doubt, cut the main breaker to the whole house.
Unplug all Devices
Once the power has been cut to the circuit in question, unplug all devices that were connected to the outlet or outlets on that circuit. This will prevent further damage to the outlets and your appliances.
Call An Electrician
Take a close look at the hot outlet, checking for any damage, such as burn or scorch marks, loose connections, or frayed wires. You’ll also want to watch out for burning smells and melting plastic. Then call a licensed electrician to come and fix the issue correctly.
When you see any of these signs, you have a potential safety hazard on your hands. Call a qualified, licensed electrician to evaluate your outlet and electrical system and determine how to proceed. A trusted electrician can offer expert advice to save your devices from further risk and keep your home safe.