An outlet or cover plate that feels warm is not normal and is a warning sign. The usual causes are a loose wire connection, a worn outlet that no longer grips plugs tightly, or a circuit carrying too much. Unplug what is on it, stop using it, and have an electrician check it. A hot outlet means call now.
Common causes
A loose connection where a wire meets the outlet. A loose joint resists current and makes heat.
Push-in connections on the back of the outlet, which can loosen over the years
A worn outlet that holds plugs loosely, so the plug itself makes a poor contact
Too much on one circuit, such as a space heater, hair dryer or microwave sharing with other loads
Aluminum branch wiring, found in some homes from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, which needs special connections
A damaged plug or cord on the item plugged in
What is normal and what is not
The plug on a heater or other high-draw appliance can feel slightly warm after long use. The outlet face, the cover plate or the wall around it should not. ESFI lists warm or discolored wall plates, buzzing or sizzling, and a burning smell as warning signs of an overloaded or failing circuit. Dimmer switches are the one common exception: many run slightly warm by design. A dimmer that is hot to touch is not normal. A power strip or extension cord that feels warm is a sign it is carrying too much, and it should be unplugged as well.
What you can safely do right now
Unplug everything from that outlet if you can do it without touching hot or damaged parts.
Stop using it until it has been checked.
Do not move a space heater to another outlet on the same wall and keep going.
If the outlet is hot, smells like burning, or the plate is melted or brown, turn off its breaker if you can do so safely, and call.
Do not remove the cover plate or pull the outlet out to look.
Talk to a real person
Call (602) 999-2770 and a person answers, any hour. Tell us what you feel and smell, and we will tell you honestly whether it needs attention tonight or can wait for regular hours. You will hear the price before anyone drives out.
Smoke, a burning smell or a hot outlet: stop and call. If you see smoke or fire, call 911.
Common questions
Is a warm outlet a fire risk?
It can be. Heat at an outlet means something is resisting current. Have it checked soon.
Is it normal for a phone charger to be warm?
A charger block can get slightly warm. The outlet and cover plate should not.
Can I just replace the outlet myself?
We do not recommend it. The cause may be in the wiring or the circuit, not just the outlet.
