Malfunctions within your home'selectrical system can cause damage as well as a risk of a house fire, so Atlanta,GA homeowners need to watch for signs of trouble from components throughout thehouse. For example, when an electrical outlet feels hot to the touch, this is a warning signthat something's not right. Estes Services explains what can cause outlets tofeel warm and shares which issues require immediate attention from anelectrician to protect your home and family.
Reasons Why an Electrical Outlet Feels Hot to the Touch
People typically discover that anelectrical outlet feels hot to the touch when they unplug a cord.Typically, electrical outlets should be at room temperature, so one that feelsmuch warmer can easily cause alarm.
A few different issues can be why your electrical outlet feels hot, but not all pose an immediatedanger to your home and family. However, if the outlet also produces a burning smell,has smoke coming out of it, or soot marks on the panel, immediate help isneeded. First, turn off the breaker to cut power to the circuit manually and call yourelectrician for emergency service.
Below, we'll walk you throughwhat could cause a warm outlet as well as how to fix the problem.
Plugged-InDevices Have Transformers
Today, homes are filled with manyelectronic devices and small appliances requiring electrical power tooperate or charge batteries. Many of these products require a transformer to convert the home's AC power to the DC power it needs to run. Whenplugged in, the transformer generates heat as it changes voltage, and this cancause the outlet to warm up.
If your electrical outlet feelshot to the touch while devices with transformers are plugged in, try unpluggingthese items and giving the outlet time to cool. Check the outlet after an houror two and see if it is back to normal room temperature. If the outlet is stillhot when you touch it, call your electrician to check it out, and do not usethe outlet until it's been professionally inspected and repaired if necessary.
OutletIs Overloaded
Too many devices or items pluggedinto a single outlet can be why your electrical outlet is hot. Using outletsplitters or a power strip to run multiple devices from that location candemand more power than the circuit can power. As more electricity runs to theoutlet, you'll notice that you have a hot outlet because of increasedpower.
This issue can typically besolved by unplugging items from the outlet. Then, give the outlet a few hours tocool. If the outlet is still warm, stop using it and call your electrician.
Extension cords, power strips,and outlet splitters really shouldn't be used regularly anyway, so if you relyon this equipment to power devices in this area, talk to your licensedelectrician about installing additional outlets.
DamagedOutlet or Wiring
If the outlet, it's the casing, orconnected wiring is damaged, this could be why your electrical outlet feels hotto the touch. This damage may not be visible without removing the outlet plate,but it's best not to touch the outlet at all in this situation, as there may beelectrical current running through it due to the malfunction, and you could beshocked. Instead, call your electrician to have a new outlet or wiring installed as soonas possible. Turn off power to the circuit at the breaker until a new outlet isinstalled to prevent the possibility of the faulty outlet catching fire due toa bad connection.
Electrical Repairs in Atlanta, GA
When an electrical outlet is hotor warm, you're right to be concerned. If the troubleshooting advice mentionedabove doesn't cause your outlet to cool, callEstes Services to request electrical repairs right away.
