How would you know if one of your electrical outlets was hot to the touch?  You wouldn’t…not unless you touch it.  But, when you consider what’s behind a hot outlet, regular “touch testing” is a habit you might want to pick up.

There are three common causes of an outlet heating up:

  • Higher than recommended electrical load
  • Melting wire
  • Not code compliant

Trouble also can occur when an outlet is not securely fastened to the wall.

Warm or not, you also should replace any two-pronged outlets with grounded three-pronged outlets. Plus, outlets in the proximity of water – like those in your kitchen and bathroom – should be placed with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets for your safety.

A Hot Outlet Can Cause an Electrical Fire

Many home fires are started by overheated or shorted outlets and appliances. In addition to the reasons mentioned above, the following also can result in an electrical fire:

  • Short circuiting – If too much heat builds up inside an outlet, it can melt the insulation that surrounds the wires. As the wires become exposed, a short circuit can occur when electrons leap to the wrong area and spark.
  • Shoddy electrical repairs – Let’s say you’re having your kitchen or bathroom remodeled and the carpenter or contractor offers to install new outlets to save you a little money. It’s always better to spend a little more – who knows, it might not even come to that – to ensure a job well done and added safety for your home and family.
  • Aluminum wiring – Aluminum wiring has several properties that make it inferior to copper. Aluminum is a softer metal, prone to damage during installation, and expands more when heated. The expansion and contraction of the wire can lead to wire creeping out from its place under the screw holding it in place, causing loose wires and overheating. If your home was built in the 1970’s or earlier, you should have it inspected to determine which metal was used to provide electricity.

At Excel Electric, the well-being of your home and family are always tops on our list of priorities. So, for hot outlet repair or replacement or any other home electrical need, contact us today.