It can be disturbing to realize that your electrical outlets are heating up. Many home fires are reported to be caused by overheated or shorted outlets and appliances. In fact, according to United States Fire Association (USFA), electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans and injure 2,305 more each year.
Possible Dangers of Warm Electrical Outlets
Whenever the plate is warm and the screws holding the plate in place are becoming hot, it can be a sign of overheating. Something is happening behind the wall and it is essential to pay attention to it and discover what this might mean. Here are some reasons as to why your electrical outlets may be heating up.
Loose Electrical Connections
Loose connections are the cause of many melted outlets and fires. They cause electricity to pass through an air gap or fewer strands of wiring which could generate extra heat simply because the wiring cannot handle the additional current running through it.
Excessive Demand at the Outlet
Plugging more than one appliance into a single outlet usually results in overloading. Each electrical circuit is designed to hold only a certain level of current at once, and exceeding that wattage strains the internal wiring causing the wall outlets to heat up.
Shorting Circuit
A short circuit causes too much heat buildup around a receptacle. When two wires touch, it results in some resistance that can leave some marks or even melt the surrounding plastics. If you have a wall outlet that is short-circuiting, it is advisable to call a professional electrician right away.
Old Age
As electrical outlets age, they can become loose, worn out and outdated, creating a larger potential for heating up. By updating your wiring and other old appliances, you can prevent this from happening.
What to Do If Your Electrical Outlet is Hot?
If an outlet feels warm but not hot, it could be that the appliance that was plugged in contained an internal transformer that changed the voltage input to a different voltage output. Just unplug the device and wait for a few hours for the outlet to cool down. However, if it feels hot to the touch, don’t take any chances but cut power to the circuit and call an electrician immediately to thoroughly inspect and repair any issues involving your home’s outlets.
If you are in need of an outlet repair in Baltimore, contact us at Tim Kyle Electrical Service to schedule an appointment. We have the proper training, experience, and tools to do the job right. To learn more about hot outlets, get in touch with Tim Kyle Electric. You can talk to an expert about new installations of lighting and wiring, among other things, for your home or business.
About Tim Kyle Electric
Tim Kyle Electric has been delighting our customers with responsive, trusted and professional electrical services since 1986. We provide residential, commercial and solar power services and are experts in our field. Our team of professionally trained employees uphold our core values of honesty, respect and integrity. We are available 24/7 for your electrical servicing needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next electrical project.