What to Do If Your Outlets Are Warm After a Storm in St. Louis

If your outlets feel warm after a storm, immediately stop using them, unplug everything, switch off the corresponding breaker in your panel, and contact a licensed electrician to inspect and repair any damage safely.

 

Why Outlets Can Become Warm After a Storm

 

When lightning strikes or high winds damage power lines, a sudden surge of electricity or a rise in voltage can travel through wiring. In simple terms, an outlet is the socket on your wall where you plug in lamps, chargers, or appliances. If wiring inside the wall or the outlet itself is loose, corroded, or damp, it can’t handle normal current flow and converts extra energy into heat. That is why you feel warmth or even a slight burning smell.

 

Immediate Safety Steps

 

• Stop using the outlet. Don’t plug in or turn on any device until it’s checked.
• Unplug devices. Carefully remove all plugs from the warm outlet to avoid trapping heat.
• Switch off the breaker. Locate your breaker box and flip the breaker that controls the room or outlet to the OFF position.
• Avoid touching metal parts. Heat can indicate a live short. Use dry hands and avoid contact with the outlet faceplate.

 

Inspect the Circuit Breaker Panel

 

Your circuit breaker panel is a metal box, usually in a basement or utility room, containing switches that protect each electrical circuit. After turning off the suspect breaker:

• Look for a tripped switch (it will sit between ON and OFF).
• Reset by pushing it fully to OFF, then back to ON. If it trips again immediately, do not attempt further resets.
• Label the breaker if it isn’t already marked so you know which outlet it controls next time.

 

Check for Water Intrusion

 

Storms often drive moisture into cracks around windows, doors, or through attic vents. Water inside walls near wiring can:

• Create corrosion on metal contacts, increasing resistance and heat.
• Trigger small electrical shorts when power returns.
• Pose a shock hazard if you touch the outlet or plug.

If you see any dampness at the outlet or smell mildew, keep the breaker off and call a professional.

 

Test Voltage and Heat Safely

 

A non-contact voltage tester is a small pen-shaped tool you can hold near wires or outlets to sense live electricity without touching anything. After power is off, you can also gently feel the outlet cover for residual warmth. Never open the outlet yourself unless you are qualified. If you have a multimeter and know how to use it safely, you can measure the voltage to confirm the circuit is dead before an electrician arrives.

 

Call a Licensed Electrician

 

Even if the outlet cools down, internal damage often remains. In St. Louis or Nashville, homeowners rely on professionals to:

• Inspect wiring connections behind the outlet.
• Replace damaged outlet receptacles or wiring.
• Install surge protection to guard against future storms.
• Ensure all work meets local electrical codes and safety standards.

 

Preventive Measures for Future Storms

 

To reduce risk of warm or damaged outlets in the next storm:

• Install whole-house surge protectors at your main panel.
• Use plug-in surge strips for computers, TVs, and sensitive electronics.
• Seal gaps around windows, doors, and roof penetrations to keep moisture out of walls.
• Schedule periodic electrical inspections, especially if your home wiring is over 20 years old.

By following these steps—cutting power, checking breakers, avoiding contact, and getting expert help—you’ll keep your home safe, protect your devices, and restore reliable electricity after a storm.