What Does It Mean When a Vacuum Cleaner Plug Is Hot to the Touch?

Fire Danger

• A hot plug on your vacuum cleaner may mean loose wiring in the home or in the vacuum cleaner. If unchecked, this may lead to fire. Another issue with a hot plug could be a faulty outlet that requires replacement. Additional signs of loose wiring include a hot socket, flickering lights in the home and fuses that blow regularly. If an electrical fire breaks out in your home, do not throw water on the fire. Call the fire department immediately.

Overloaded Outlet

• Plugging the vacuum cleaner into an extension helps you clean a large area, but it can cause a problem if too many things are plugged into the extension cord or outlet. A hot plug in an outlet or extension cord could mean the socket is overloaded. This may mean that too many appliances plugged into the same outlet or cord may be causing the circuit to overheat. Disconnect the vacuum and test the vacuum plug in another outlet.

Replacement Cord

• If your vacuum plug continually gets hot, it might be time to replace the cord. Pick up a heavy-duty replacement plug that's intended for use in high-current appliances -- products that draw a lot of power. Cut the old plug 1 inch from the end of the cord. Cut 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire inside the cord. Attach each of the exposed wires on the vacuum cord to the corresponding terminal screw on the replacement plug by matching like colors. Wrap the wire clockwise around the screw, then tighten the screw. This should keep the plug cool.

Runs Warm

• Some appliances naturally run hot, leaving the cord and plug slightly warm after use. Contact your vacuum manufacturer if your plug is repeatedly warm, not hot. They might suggest you replace the cord or replace the plug, or they might advise you that the vacuum runs warm naturally, in which case you don't need to do anything. When you consistently experience a problem with a specific outlet in the home where it overheats, contact an electrician for further assistance or consider replacing the outlet if you have the experience.