What Causes Outlets to Feel Warm to the Touch?

/in /by

The outlets in your home play a critical role, although they might be taken for granted most of the time. Access to electricity simply by plugging in a device is a wonder of the modern world in many ways. Of course, you always want to make sure you are accessing that electricity safely, and if one of your outlets feels warm to the touch, there may be an underlying issue that requires closer inspection.

Are you dealing with electrical problems in your home in the Greensboro area? No matter what issues have popped up, the Berico team is ready to solve them. Get in touch today to schedule an appointment.

 

A Little Warmth May Be Normal

First, it’s important to make sure there is actually a problem before going any further. Sometimes, an outlet will feel slightly warm while it is being used. For example, if you have a phone charger plugged into an outlet, there will be a bit of warmth, and that’s probably okay. As long as the outlet is not hot or discolored, things may be fine.

It’s when the outlet is hot even when nothing is plugged in, or when it gets hot enough that you can’t comfortably touch it, that you’ll need to stop using the outlet and get help for the problem.

 

Common Causes of Overheated Outlets

A few different underlying reasons can be at work here. Most of these issues point to a safety hazard that should be addressed as soon as possible.

  • Overloaded Circuit. There is a maximum capacity for every type of electrical circuit. If you have too many devices plugged into a single circuit, an outlet on that circuit may begin to feel hot as a result. When possible, don’t use multiple high-power devices like toasters and microwaves on the same circuit at the same time.
  • Loose Connections. There are connections inside the outlet box that allow everything in the electrical circuit to work as it should. If one or more of those connections has become loose, the poor connections can cause heat to be generated, and in some cases, an electrical fire will be the result.
  • Faulty Outlet. Sometimes, it’s simply a worn-out outlet that is to blame for this problem. If you live in an older home and the outlets have never been replaced, it’s possible that you need to have new ones installed to fix this issue and use your circuits safely.

If you are worried about the heat that is being put off by one of your outlets, stop using it and call for help from a professional electrician like those on the Berico team.

 

Play It Safe on Electrical Work

It’s never a good idea to take chances when it comes to residential electrical services. You always want to work with a qualified, licensed electrician to be sure that the work is done right and everything is up to code. With that in mind, call Berico now for assistance and solve any electrical issues that have been plaguing your home.