Light switch, dimmer or outlet warm to the touch

A dimmer that feels warm while the lights are on can be normal. A standard switch or outlet that feels warm is not, and anything hot, discolored or smelly needs the breaker off now. These questions sort out which you have.

Also searched as: light switch warm to touch, light switch hot to touch, outlet hot to touch, outlet warm to touch nothing plugged in.

Before you start. If a switch or outlet is hot or painful to touch, discolored, smells like burning, buzzes or sparks, turn its breaker off and call a licensed electrician. Smoke or flames: get out and call 911.

A pendant light flickering over a kitchen island at dusk

Every question and answer on this page, in order

Question 1: Is it hot or painful to touch, discolored, smelling of burning, buzzing, crackling or sparking?

Touch the cover plate lightly with the back of your fingers. Do not hold your hand on it.

Yes, one or more of those: Stop: hot, discolored or smelly
No, it is just warm: go to question 2

Question 2: What feels warm?

A dimmer has a slider, dial or rocker that sets brightness. A standard switch only turns lights on and off.

A dimmer switch: go to question 3
A standard on/off switch: Have it checked: a warm switch or outlet
An outlet: go to question 4
The plug or cord, not the outlet itself: Likely cause: the plug or cord, not the outlet

Question 3: Is the dimmer warm only while the lights are on, and does it cool down once they are off?

Turn the lights off for half an hour and feel it again.

Yes, only warm while the lights are on: Usually normal: a dimmer warm while in use
No, it stays warm with the lights off: Stop: warm with nothing running

Question 4: What is plugged into the warm outlet?

Include anything plugged into a power strip on that outlet.

Nothing is plugged in: Stop: warm with nothing running
A space heater, hair dryer, or a loaded power strip: Likely cause: a heavy load on the outlet
Something else, like a lamp or charger: Have it checked: a warm switch or outlet

Possible results

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