The cord of my electric coffee percolator becomes very, very hot while the coffee is perking. Is the pot, cord or outlet defective? The cord is the original which came with the percolator.

These cords usually are the plug in style , two round holes that slide over two pins in the pot plug. The holes on the receptalce end of the cord get larger over time and this creates a loose connection, causing the heat.

Before buying a replacement cord, inspect the two pins on the pot, if they are discolored or corroded, the pot may need to be replaced also, as a new cord will still be loose on the old pins.