I noticed a burning smell coming from one of the outlets in my bedroom. The outlet also feels warm to the touch. Is this dangerous?
A burning smell and warmth from an outlet is a serious fire hazard. Stop using that outlet immediately. Unplug everything from it. Turn off the breaker for that circuit. Do not turn it back on until inspected by a licensed electrician. Common causes: loose wire connections creating arcing (leading cause of electrical fires), overloaded circuit, failing outlet with worn internal contacts, or oxidized aluminum wiring (common in 1965-1975 homes). Any of these can start a fire inside the wall. This is not a DIY repair. An electrician needs to open the box, inspect wiring, and replace damaged components. Cost is typically $100-200 but essential for safety. If you see scorch marks or the smell is strong, call an electrician today.
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