[edgar666]

I feel heat coming out of one of my outlets. I've never noticed this before and started touching the rest of the ones around the house and found that all are cool. What can be an answer to this?

[tkrussell]

There is a loose wire connection at that outlet, and there is current flowing through to another load downstream of that outlet causing the heat in this outlet.


You will probably find the wires pushed into holes on the back of the receptacle, these types of connections are popular for causing loose connections.

The best method is to have the wire wrapped around the screw terminal.

[Wilso38]

Sounds like a bad connection at the back - develops a resistance, and starts to get hot, which makes the resistance worse, and the structure of the copper begins to change, and it will slowly work its way up the wire away from the back of the outlet. You need it checked out, and quickly. I will never suggest doing electrical work if you're not qualified. Too many people have died that way. Call a qualified tradesman, and get it checked.

[Wilso38]

BTW, get it checked before your home goes up in smoke.

[Wilso38]

In the meantime, throw the breaker. Pull the fuse. Get the power off to the thing.