Electricity is something that a lot of us take for granted in our homes. As long as you pay your electric bill every month and you’re not hit by any severe storms that knock down a power line, your outlets and switches should work whenever you need them. And yet, electricity is also something that should never be taken lightly.
Simply put, electricity can be incredibly dangerous. Among other things, overloaded circuits and faulty wiring can create excess heat that will burn or melt electrical outlets.
These electrical malfunctions cause thousands of house fires and hundreds of deaths every year. Florida homes are particularly vulnerable to electrical issues due to their old age and the region’s humid climate, but it’s important to know the signs and causes of burnt electrical outlets regardless of where you live, as well as what to do when you find one in your home.
Quick Takeaways
- Outlets can burn due to poor or loose wiring, aging electrical systems, moisture intrusion, and short circuits.
- Overloading an outlet is also dangerous, especially if you live in an older home.
- Burnt outlets create a serious fire hazard.
- If you suspect that an outlet is burnt, turn off the power to the outlet at your electrical panel and call an electrician for assistance.
What Causes an Electrical Outlet to Burn?
Most of the time, the causes of a burnt outlet are easy to spot. It’s always best to call an electrician to correctly diagnose the problem, but these are the most common reasons why an electrical outlet might burn.
1. Loose or Worn Wire Connections
Electricity needs an unbroken channel to flow correctly, and it’s often denied that when wiring comes loose. Instead, electricity will jump or arc from the point where the circuit is broken to the nearest conductor, which is usually the other part of the loose connection. An outlet with a loose wire connection will still technically work, but the arcing will generate a lot of heat that could burn the outlet if the problem isn’t fixed.
Loose or worn wire connections are common in Florida for a few reasons. For one, the humidity, heat, and salty air in the region cause insulation to break down and wiring to corrode faster than in other parts of the country. Florida also has many older homes, many of which have aging electrical systems that are prone to loose connections.
2. An Overloaded Outlet or Power Strip
Outlets that have too many appliances and electronics plugged into them can overheat and burn, especially if you’re running high-wattage appliances such as microwaves, space heaters, and air conditioners. Power strips can also be overloaded by such appliances, especially if they’re plugged into older outlets.
3. Faulty or Aging Outlets
Aging electrical outlets in older homes may have worn internal contacts and brittle plastic housings that could cause them to overheat and burn. Electrical outlets typically last for 15 to 25 years, so be careful if any outlets in your home are older than that. They are the most likely to burn or otherwise have problems.
4. Short Circuits
Most of the time, short circuits activate your circuit breakers and shut off the power to an outlet. If this doesn’t happen, a short circuit can burn an outlet or cause an electrical fire. Signs of a short circuit include popping sounds and scorch marks on or around the outlet.
5. Moisture Intrusion
Moisture intrusion can be a problem for outlets in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or anywhere an outlet might be exposed to moisture. This is a common issue in Florida due to the high humidity.
6. Aluminum Wiring and DIY Electrical Work
Many homes that were built or renovated between 1965 and 1972 were wired with aluminum instead of copper. While aluminum wires conduct electricity safely, they also expand and contract more than copper wiring, which can create loose connections and burnt outlets.
The same applies to any DIY electrical projects or repairs. If they aren’t completed correctly with copper wiring, you could be looking at a serious fire risk in your home.
Warning Signs That An Outlet Is Burning or Melting
If you think an electrical outlet in your home is burnt or could burn, look for the following signs:
- You see scorch marks or discoloration on or near the outlet
- The outlet is warm to the touch
- The plastic over the outlet is warped or melted
- There’s a burning smell near the outlet
- You hear buzzing, sizzling, or popping noises coming from the outlet
- The outlet doesn’t always work
What to Do If an Outlet Is Burnt
A burnt outlet is a serious problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Here are the steps you should take.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power at the Breaker Panel
As soon as you think an outlet might be burnt, turn off the power to the outlet at your home’s breaker panel. Do not try to unplug anything from the outlet first.
Step 2: Keep the Outlet Off-Limits
Even after you’ve turned off the power to the burnt outlet, keep children, pets, and anyone else away from it. Do not try to use it again.
Step 3: Inspect the Surrounding Wall
If your home’s wiring is faulty enough to burn an electrical outlet, there may be additional signs of damage. Check to see if the surrounding wall is warm to the touch or if there are any odd discolorations or burning smells.
Step 4: Do NOT Remove the Outlet Yourself
As you inspect a damaged outlet and the surrounding wall, do not remove the plate over the outlet yourself. There’s always a chance that you’ll expose yourself to live wires or an arc flash.
Step 5: Call a Licensed Electrician for a Full Circuit Inspection
The best way to find the cause of a burnt outlet is to call a licensed electrician and schedule a full circuit inspection. A licensed electrician will check the state of the wiring around the outlet, the voltage of the circuit, and look for signs of corrosion or moisture intrusion.
How Electricians Fix a Burnt Outlet
As with most issues that might arise in your home, the key to fixing a burnt outlet is to get to the root of the problem. This is why an electrician will usually complete a full inspection of the damaged outlet before doing anything else. They will check for things such as loose connections, damaged or outdated wiring, and any signs of corrosion or moisture intrusion.
They will also tighten loose connections and replace any faulty wiring as well as the burnt outlet itself. They may also correct short circuits, redistribute electrical loads, and do anything else necessary to prevent further damage. Once the repairs are complete, they will test the outlet and inspect surrounding outlets for any issues.
How to Prevent an Outlet from Burning Again
In most cases, burnt outlets can be prevented by following certain safety tips. First of all, don’t overload any of your circuits. Avoid plugging in too many appliances and electronics into any of your outlets, even if the outlets seem safe.
Next, keep outlets dry, especially if they’re outdoors or in your kitchen or bathroom. You may want to install GFCI outlets in these areas as well. A GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupter outlet monitors electrical current and shuts itself off as soon as it detects an imbalance or short circuit.
You should also schedule a full inspection of your electrical system at least once every three to five years, although older homes should receive more frequent inspections. Finally, replace any outlets that are more than 15 or 20 years old, and replace any aluminum wiring with copper.
FAQ About Burnt Electrical Outlets
What is the most common cause of a burnt outlet?
The most common cause of burnt outlets is loose wiring connections, although overloaded circuits are often to blame as well.
Is a burnt outlet dangerous?
A burnt outlet is potentially very dangerous. It can give an electric shock if used, and it can start an electrical fire if left unchecked.
Why does my outlet smell like burning plastic?
A burning plastic smell could be coming from the plate over an outlet or from the insulation around wires. It’s a sign that an outlet is overheating and starting to burn.
Should I unplug appliances from a burnt outlet?
You should unplug appliances from a burnt outlet, but only after you’ve turned off the power to the outlet. Doing so before turning off the power could give you a bad electric shock.
How much does it cost to repair a burnt outlet?
Repairing a burnt outlet usually costs between $100 and $400, depending on the type of outlet and the cause and extent of the damage.
Can humidity and moisture cause an outlet to burn?
Humidity and moisture intrusion can cause an outlet to short-circuit, which can cause it to burn.
Need a Burnt Outlet Repaired Fast? Call Mister Sparky of Pompano Beach
A burnt outlet is a serious issue that should be addressed quickly. Fortunately, we at Service Minds Mister Sparky are here to help.
We provide safe, code-compliant repairs to damaged outlets and wiring in Pompano Beach, FL and the surrounding areas. Same-day service is available, so don’t hesitate to call us if you notice burn marks near an electrical outlet in your home.