Stop
If a smart plug is hot, smoking, discolored, or smells burnt, unplug it immediately, do not reuse it, and do not plug anything else into that outlet until it's checked.
Symptoms
- Plug feels warm during normal use
- Plug feels very hot or you can smell a burning odor
- Outlet or plug shows discoloration or melting
- Plug trips the outlet or breaker when a device is on
Likely causes
- CommonConnected device drawing power near or over the plug's rated limitSpace heaters, hair dryers, and other high-wattage devices can push a smart plug past its safe rating, generating heat.
- CommonMild warmth from normal relay and Wi-Fi electronics operationA small amount of warmth is normal for many smart plugs, especially with a device actively running.
- PossibleLoose connection between the plug and the wall outletA loose fit can cause arcing and heat buildup at the contact points.
- Less commonInternal relay or component defectA manufacturing defect can cause excess heat even under a normal load.
- Less commonOutlet itself is old, worn, or wired looselyA worn outlet can cause heat buildup regardless of what's plugged into it.
What to do
- Unplug the smart plug immediately if it feels hot, smells burnt, shows discoloration, or you see any smoke.
- Check what's plugged into it and confirm its wattage doesn't exceed the smart plug's rated maximum (usually printed on the plug).
- Never use a smart plug for high-draw appliances like space heaters or hair dryers unless it's specifically rated for that load.
- Check that the plug fits snugly and completely into the wall outlet without wobble.
- If only mildly warm during normal operation of a low-wattage device, this can be normal; monitor it over a few uses.
- Try the plug in a different outlet to see if the heat issue follows the plug or stays with the outlet.
- Stop using and discard a plug that runs hot even with a light, low-wattage load, since this points to an internal defect.
Tools and parts
Replacement smart plugSearch: “smart wifi outlet plug”
When to call a pro
If the wall outlet itself shows heat damage or discoloration independent of the plug, have a licensed electrician inspect and replace the outlet.
Safety
Stop
If a smart plug is hot, smoking, discolored, or smells burnt, unplug it immediately, do not reuse it, and do not plug anything else into that outlet until it's checked.