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What to Do If Your Surge Protector Is Hot After a Power Surge in St. Louis

Is your surge protector hot after a power surge in St. Louis? Learn essential safety tips, troubleshooting steps, and when to replace it.

Reviewed by Content Team

Head of Content, D. Gorenko

Updated June, 5

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What to Do If Your Surge Protector Is Hot After a Power Surge in St. Louis

If your surge protector is hot after a power surge, immediately unplug it from the wall, disconnect all devices, let it cool down, inspect it for any visible damage or burn marks, and replace it before using it again. If you’re unsure or find any damage, contact a qualified electrician.

 

What It Means When a Surge Protector Is Hot

 

A surge protector is a device you plug into an electrical outlet to shield your electronics from sudden spikes in voltage, called power surges. When a surge protector feels hot, it can mean:

  • The internal metal parts are overloaded by too much electricity, causing resistance and heat.
  • One of the safety components, like a metal oxide varistor (MOV), has taken a hit and is failing.
  • Wiring inside the protector or the outlet may be loose or damaged.

Feeling heat alone doesn’t always cause a fire, but it is a warning sign that something isn’t working properly.

 

Immediate Steps to Take

 

  • Unplug the surge protector from the wall outlet right away. This cuts off electricity flow.
  • Disconnect every device attached to it. Let everything cool down in a safe area.
  • Don’t try to touch or open the surge protector until it’s completely cool to avoid burns or electric shock.

 

Inspecting the Surge Protector for Damage

 

Once it’s cool, look over the protector carefully:

  • Check the casing for any cracks, melting, or discoloration.
  • Examine the plug and cord for frayed insulation or exposed wires.
  • Look for burn marks or unusual odors, which signal internal failure.
  • If it has indicator lights, note whether they’re off or showing a fault.

If you see any of these signs, the protector must be replaced.

 

Understanding What Caused the Heat

 

A power surge can happen when lightning strikes nearby, when power returns after an outage, or when large appliances turn on or off. Surge protectors use components like MOVs to absorb extra voltage. If too much energy passes through, these parts can overheat:

  • Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV): A small disk that clamps excess voltage. It can wear out after repeated surges.
  • Thermal Fuse: Sometimes built in to break the circuit if it gets too hot.
  • Internal Wiring: A loose connection inside the protector or in your wall outlet can create resistance and heat.

Recognizing the source helps prevent repeating the problem.

 

When to Replace Your Surge Protector

 

A surge protector is not like a regular power strip—it has safety parts that can degrade. Replace it if you notice:

  • Visible damage or melting on the plug, cord, or housing.
  • Burn smells or scorch marks.
  • Indicator lights that won’t turn on or show a “Protected” status.
  • It’s more than three to five years old, even if it looks fine.

Always buy a new protector rated for the joule protection level you need. Higher joule ratings mean better protection.

 

Calling a Qualified Electrician

 

If you’re not comfortable checking wires yourself or you suspect the outlet is damaged, call a licensed electrician. Local regulations in St Louis and Nashville may require professionals to inspect and repair household wiring. An electrician will:

  • Test the outlet for proper voltage and grounding.
  • Secure any loose connections behind the wall.
  • Replace faulty outlets or wiring to meet local safety codes.
  • Offer advice on the best surge protection for your home’s electrical load.

 

Preventing Future Overheating

 

To avoid hot surge protectors in the future:

  • Use surge protectors rated for your total connected load. Don’t exceed their wattage limits.
  • Plug high-power appliances (like air conditioners) directly into a dedicated outlet, not into a surge protector.
  • Unplug or switch off protectors when not in use for extended periods.
  • Consider installing a whole-house surge protector at your electric panel for added defense.

By following these steps—unplugging, inspecting, replacing when needed, and calling an electrician—you’ll ensure your electronics stay safe and your home remains protected.

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