Why Is My Power Point Warm, Sparking or Making Noise?

A power point that's warm to touch, sparks when you plug something in, or makes a buzzing or crackling sound is a genuine warning sign, not something to wait out.

Loose internal wiring

Over time, the screw terminals inside a power point can loosen, creating resistance that generates heat. This is one of the most common causes of a warm outlet.

An overloaded outlet

Running high-draw appliances like heaters or kettles from a power point that also has several other things plugged in via adaptors can cause warmth and, in some cases, minor sparking.

A worn-out outlet

Power points do wear out with age and repeated use, and the internal contacts can degrade to the point where plugging something in causes a visible spark.

What to do

• Stop using that power point immediately
• Don't attempt to open or inspect it yourself
• Call a licensed electrician, this isn't a wait-and-see situation

Sparking, warmth or noise from an outlet is one of the more common triggers for our 24/7 emergency callouts, and for good reason: it's a recognised fire risk if left unaddressed.