Should a Dryer Outlet Be Hot?

Dryer Outlet

• Clothes dryers require higher currents than a lamp or a toaster. You can’t plug one into a standard electrical receptacle; the amperage and current they supply aren’t enough to run the unit. You must plug a dryer instead into a special receptacle designed just for it. Only a dryer can plug into it; the slots are arranged so even other high-voltage appliances, such as ovens, won’t work; the plug on the oven can’t be forced into it.

Causes

• It is normal for an outlet to feel warm. If your dryer outlet feels hot, a few different issues could be causing the temperature increase. The heat indicates that too much current is flowing into the receptacle. Exposed wiring within the outlet could be arcing, sending bursts of electric energy through the small space. There could also be a fault within the outlet.

Issues

• You don’t want your dryer exposed to too much current; it could damage the unit over time. Problems within the outlet can also be dangerous to you and your home. A fault within the outlet can put you at risk for a shock when you unplug the dryer. Arcing in the outlet increases your home’s risk of fire; a spark can ignite insulation, leading to a fire in the wall behind your dryer, which is difficult to reach and may spread before you can put it out.

Considerations

• Don’t ignore the heat coming off your dryer outlet. Contact an electrician. Not only will she be able to diagnose the problem and fix it, but also she will know the precautions to take to avoid the risk of shock while working on the outlet. Shocks can range from unpleasant to deadly, especially in an environment such as a laundry room where water is present. Once the electrician solves the problem, you can go back to using your clothes dryer with confidence.