
How to prevent electrical outlets from overheating
You don’t need a tonne of electrical engineering knowledge to know that when an electrical outlet is overheating, it’s bad news. Outlets aren’t meant to get hot either, so if you encounter one that’s clearly giving off heat, then something has gone wrong and it can be very dangerous. However, this scenario can be avoided by using them correctly and by having the right equipment for managing your power. Here, our experts at Rubber Box have explained everything you need to know:
What can cause plugs to overheat?
There are many reasons why electrical outlets can overheat. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Loose connections – a tight connection is needed between the wires in an electrical outlet and if this loosens it affects the flow of the current which can then lead to overheating.
- Corrosion and damage – corrosion and/or other damage to wires or contacts in an outlet can lead to increased electrical resistance and subsequent overheating.
- Moisture – if conductive moisture gets into an outlet, it can cause the electrical current to flow to other places and make the outlet overheat, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Overloading – this can happen if you try to run too many devices or appliances and draw a level of current that goes beyond the outlet’s limit.
- Extreme temperatures – these can affect the materials in an outlet, so you’ll need to keep them away from heat sources or direct exposure to cold.
- Dust – This which interferes with electrical connections over time. Regularly clean around outlets to avoid dust build-up.
What can happen when plugs overheat?
To be honest, it has a variety of consequences – none of them good.
For starters, the intense heat can cause the plastic casing around the outlet’s internal wiring to soften, warp, or even melt entirely, often producing a strong, acrid smell that signals something is seriously wrong. As the outlet continues to overheat, the insulation protecting the wires may also degrade, exposing bare wires that can short circuit. This breakdown of materials significantly increases the risk of an electrical fire, as high temperatures (combined with weakened insulation) can ignite nearby combustible materials, including wall insulation, dust, or surrounding furnishings. Since these fires often start within walls, they can go unnoticed until they’re well-established, putting the entire building at risk.
Beyond the risk of fire, overheating outlets can also lead to electric shocks, particularly if the outlet or its wiring has been damaged by the excessive heat. Overheating can warp the contacts inside the outlet, leading to loose or unpredictable connections. If someone plugs into or unplugs from an outlet with exposed or damaged wires, there’s a serious risk of receiving a potentially harmful electric shock, potentially even a fatal one.
4 key signs that could indicate a plug is in danger of overloading
Early detection is key to preventing electrical hazards. Here are some clear indicators that an outlet may be overheating:
- Discolouration: If you notice any brown or black marks around an outlet, this is a strong indicator that overheating or even small electrical burns are occurring.
- Warmth: Outlets should never feel warm or hot to the touch. If one does, it’s time to investigate further.
- Unusual Noises: Crackling, buzzing, or popping sounds can indicate a loose connection or faulty wiring inside the outlet.
- Odour: A burnt or acrid smell near an outlet often signals that the wiring or insulation is overheating, which is a serious hazard.
How to prevent plugs from overloading
Prevention is always better than cure, and preventative maintenance has never been more important than with elements like plugs. You’ll always want to catch developing issues early, rather than only getting alerted when something dangerous happens. Thankfully, there are a number of approaches you can take to help avoid your electrical outlets overheating.
Have the wiring checked
The wiring in your home or business can be affected by wear and tear – especially in older buildings – so it’s worth getting an electrician to check it and if needs be, have new, modern wiring installed.
Be careful of overloading
When powering your devices and appliances you should be smart with how much you’re running through one outlet. If you can, avoid using multiple power strips on one socket and try to spread the plugs around your rooms. This then prevents dangerous overloading.
Get your appliances inspected
Sometimes it can be your appliances (especially those that use a lot of power) that are the problem, especially poorly-made plugs that overheat and then cause your outlets to overheat. So it’s often wise to get these inspected by a qualified electrician to make sure they’re properly functioning.
Use dependable electrical equipment
While you can’t control things like wear and tear, you can mitigate the chances of it happening. By this we mean having and using quality outlets, power distros, sockets, plugs and all manner of electrical equipment that are less likely to break or become damaged.
Get your equipment up to the right standard
And of course, if you need dependable power distribution equipment, you’re in exactly the right place here at Rubber Box. We’re sure to have the right options to safely power your devices, appliances and tech, so get a quote today or if you want to speak to us directly call us on 01282 677 910 or email info@rubberbox.co.uk and we’ll be happy to assist you.