Outlet feels warm or hot

Symptoms

• Outlet or cover plate is noticeably warm to the touch
• Faint burning or plastic smell near the outlet
• Discoloration on the outlet or plate

Likely causes

• CommonA loose wire connectionLoose connections create resistance, which generates heat right at the outlet.
• CommonOverloaded circuitA high-draw appliance like a space heater or hair dryer pulling near the circuit's max can warm the outlet.
• PossibleA worn or damaged plugA loose-fitting plug creates arcing at the contact points, generating heat.
• PossibleAging or backstabbed outletPush-in wire connections on older outlets loosen more easily than screw terminals.
• Less commonAluminum wiring behind the outletHomes wired with aluminum branch wiring, common in some 1960s-70s homes, are more prone to heat at connections.

What to do

1. Unplug whatever is plugged into that outlet right away.
2. Feel the outlet again after a few minutes; if it's still hot or smells like burning plastic, leave the breaker off.
3. Check what was drawing power from it, since a single high-wattage device may just need a different circuit.
4. Turn off the breaker for that outlet and avoid using it until it's inspected.
5. Look at the plug itself for melted or discolored plastic, which points to the plug rather than the outlet.
6. Have the outlet, and ideally the whole circuit, inspected before using it again.
7. If your home has known aluminum wiring, mention that to whoever inspects it, since it needs specific fixes.

Tools and parts

• Non-contact voltage tester

When to call a pro

Call a licensed electrician promptly for any outlet that's hot to the touch, smells of burning plastic, or shows melted or discolored plastic.

Safety