Outlet sparks or smells like burning

Sparks, a burning smell or a hot outlet all point to a connection that is overheating. None of these is a homeowner repair. These questions tell you how urgently to act and what to switch off first.

Also searched as: outlet sparks when plugging in, outlet sparks when unplugging, burning smell from outlet, burning smell from wall outlet.

Before you start. If you see smoke or flames, get out, stay out and call 911.

A hand holding a plug-in outlet tester with its lights lit in a wall outlet

Every question and answer on this page, in order

Question 1: Do you see smoke or flames?

Yes: Emergency: get out and call 911
No: go to question 2

Question 2: What did you notice?

Pick the first one that applies.

Sparks or a flash: go to question 3
A burning smell, with nothing visible: Stop: a burning smell from the outlet
The outlet is very hot, or a heater or packed power strip is plugged in: Stop: a hot or overloaded outlet
Plugs are loose, wobble or fall out: Likely cause: a worn outlet

Question 3: Did the spark repeat, pop or crackle, leave a black mark, or come with a smell?

Look at the outlet and the plug prongs from a safe distance in good light.

Yes, one or more of those: Stop: repeated sparks, crackling or charring
No, it was one small spark, once, as I plugged in or unplugged: Have it checked: a spark at the plug

Possible results

Need the words for the phone call? Build a what-to-tell-the-electrician checklist, or read when to call an electrician.