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    pribanic1103's Avatar
    pribanic1103 Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 15, 2011, 09:37 AM
    Why is wire getting hot in outlet box?
    This is my dryer outlet, I noticed a plastic smell today and found this plus the side of cover was slightly melted. This can't be normal, does anyone know what might be the problem?
    On a 30 amp breaker pole
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    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 15, 2011, 10:11 AM
    Loose connection.
    Creates very high resistance which in turn creates a TON of heat.
    This happens yet the breaker does not see a rise in amperage so it does not trip.
    pribanic1103's Avatar
    pribanic1103 Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 15, 2011, 10:37 AM
    I cut switched the hot wires but it still seem that the red wire connection is loose. Tried to fix it by closing the gap a little but its still kind of loose, think I should by a new outlet? This one is less than 6 months old.
    parttime's Avatar
    parttime Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 113
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #4

    Nov 15, 2011, 10:46 AM
    Hi pribanic, if you can't get the connection tight, then it's time to buy a new outlet. Good luck
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Nov 15, 2011, 11:20 AM
    The loose connection has now damaged the terminal, a new outlet is needed, and connections need to be tighten properly to avoid any future loose connections, and damage to the new outlet.
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