This one needs a licensed pro
Likely cause: a heavy load on the outlet
Heaters, hair dryers and crowded power strips pull a lot of current. Unplug it. If the outlet stays warm, turn the breaker off and call a licensed electrician.
Why this happens
Family Handyman flags high-amp devices and overloaded power strips as a cause of outlets heating up, and says to shut off the breaker and call a licensed electrician if the outlet is hot. CPSC says an outlet may be warm but should never be hot or discolored from heat.
What to do right now
- Unplug the heater, hair dryer or power strip, gripping the plug, not the cord.
- Wait a while and feel the outlet again.
- If it is still warm, or it was ever hot or discolored, turn its breaker OFF at the hinged panel door and leave it off.
- Call a licensed electrician before you use that outlet for a heater or other heavy load again.
When to stop. Any burning smell, discoloring or crackling: breaker off now.
What to tell the licensed electrician
- What was plugged in and for how long.
- Whether the outlet cooled after you unplugged it.
- Whether the plug fits snugly or wobbles.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
Start this troubleshooter over
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