This one needs a licensed pro
Stop: a hot or overloaded outlet
An outlet that is very hot, or feeding a heater or a packed power strip, is overheating. Breaker off, unplug everything, and call a licensed electrician.
Why this happens
Family Handyman says an outlet that is very hot to the touch, or overloaded by a high-amp device or a crowded power strip, calls for the breaker to go off and an electrician. CPSC says parts of the electrical system should never be hot or painful to touch or discolored from heat.
What to do right now
- At the panel, open only the hinged door. Never remove the metal cover behind it; that cover is for electricians. Keep your hands dry and do not stand on a wet floor.
- Switch OFF the breaker for that outlet.
- With the breaker off, unplug everything from the outlet and any power strip on it.
- Leave it off and call a licensed electrician. Do not plug the heater or strip back in there.
What to tell the licensed electrician
- What was plugged in, including any space heater, hair dryer or power strip.
- How hot it felt and whether the face or plug is discolored.
- Which breaker you turned off.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
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References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
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