As a homeowner, there are many things that can come up unexpectedly. You have to be aware of things you never thought of prior to owning your home. That said, electrical issues are one of those things that are always at the back of your mind. With electrical issues, the majority of homeowners aren’t sure when something might be an issue, or if it’s no cause for concern. In this article, we will go over warm electrical outlets, what they mean, and what you can do about it to make sure you and your family are safe.

First and foremost, don’t panic: a warm outlet does not mean your home is suddenly a fire hazard. However, it is an indication that something isn’t quite right, electrically speaking. Below are some common causes for a warm outlet, and what you can do to fix the issue.

Devices

Modern devices such as cell phone chargers, iPads, and laptops can cause outlets to become warm when plugged in. If you notice the outlet you use to charge your devices is warm, unplug the device and see if it has cooled down after a while. If not, it could be the charger itself or the outlet. In the event that you think it’s the outlet, call your local electrician with your concern.

Too many things plugged into your outlet

Whether you’re using a power strip or multiplier, you could have too many things plugged into one outlet. If you are drawing too much energy from the outlet it can cause it to become warm due to too much demand. You’ll need to unplug a few items and place them somewhere else. This way you won’t overburden the citrus or your breaker. Too much demand on the outlet will cause damage to the wiring over time so you will want to remedy this as soon as possible.

Damage to the Outlet or Wiring

Loose wires or terminals inside the outlet can cause an outlet to put off some extra heat. If you have loose wiring it needs to be fixed immediately. This will not only help better the flow of electricity, it will also keep your family safe. Additionally, internal broken parts of the outlet can also cause it to overheat. If this is the case replace the outlet and reassess the issue.

As a homeowner, is helpful to have an experienced electrician you can call for any small, but important, electrical issues. If you do happen to find warm outlets in your home and are still unable to locate the problem, it is wise to contact an experienced electrician to come determine the cause for you. Absolute Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air has certified technicians on call to come out and service all of your electrical needs.