answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

A perfect wire would have no resistance, but we don't live in a perfect world, so they do. Anything that creates electrical resistance ends up turning some of that resistance into heat. The plug of a cord tends to have more metal (hence more resistance) than the rest of the wire, so it gets relatively hotter.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

5mo ago

Cords and plugs can get hot if there is resistance in the electrical connection, causing energy to be lost as heat. This can happen due to overloading the circuit, loose connections, or using a plug that is not rated for the appliance's power consumption. Over time, this heat buildup can lead to potential fire hazards, so it's important to address the issue promptly.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Because there is electrical current running through the wires and connectors, each of which have resistance, thus dissipating some amount of power as heat.

Under ordinary use, no appliance plug should get overly hot. If something is too hot to touch with your bare hands, something is wrong and it should be switched off and disconnected until the problem can be found.

North American plugs tend to get much hotter in use, compared to European plugs, because European plugs -particularly British plugs- use pins with significantly-large cross-sectional areas.

In my experience, a British plug doesn't even get moderately warm -even when supplying a 3-kW load, whereas I have had Canadian plugs that are quite warm even when supplying an electric drill load!

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Elecricity vibrates the cord so faintly we can't feel it. Vibration causes friction. Friction causes heat. my thire was better!

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why the cord and plug get hot?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Should the plug and cord get hot on my roaster oven when it is in use?

It is normal for the plug and cord of a roaster oven to get warm during use, but they should not become excessively hot. If you notice that the plug and cord are getting extremely hot, you should unplug the appliance immediately and contact the manufacturer for further guidance. This could indicate a safety issue that needs to be addressed.


How should you unplug an electrical cord?

To unplug an electrical cord, simply grasp the plug firmly and pull it straight out of the outlet. Avoid pulling on the cord itself to prevent damage. Make sure to disconnect the plug by the head, not the cord.


Can you use 6 gauge wire on A extension cord and put 30 amp plugs on it?

If your question is can you use a #6 flexible SOOW cord and put a 30 amp plug on it, then yes. The breaker that feeds the receptacle that the cord will plug into can be no larger than a 30 amp breaker. What limits the cord capacity to 30 amps is the ratings of the plug on the end of the cord.


What does cord-and-attachment-plug-connected means?

"Cord-and-attachment-plug-connected" refers to a device that is powered by a cord (electrical cable) attached to an electrical outlet via a plug. This type of connection allows for easy removal and relocation of the device without the need for hardwiring.


Which wire is hot with two black wires and one green on extension cord?

In a standard extension cord, the wire that is hot is typically the black wire. The green wire is usually the ground wire, while the second black wire may be neutral. It's always best to use a voltage tester to confirm which wire is hot before handling the wires.

Related questions

Should the plug and cord get hot on my roaster oven when it is in use?

It is normal for the plug and cord of a roaster oven to get warm during use, but they should not become excessively hot. If you notice that the plug and cord are getting extremely hot, you should unplug the appliance immediately and contact the manufacturer for further guidance. This could indicate a safety issue that needs to be addressed.


Is a hot extension cord dangerous?

im not talking about the cord itself , im talking about the brick or trasformer thats located inline that regulates current to your lap top. main question again is this suppose to get hot ? Hot cords I assume you mean the cord itself is hot. Yes, this happens when you are either putting to much load on the cord or are using too light of a cord on too long a distance. The cord usually at the plug can melt and then short out. Fire a very real possiblitiy


What if the plug and cord are hot on the air conditioner?

You may have a loose wire somewhere. You need to check the amp draw of the unit.


Is it acceptable by OSHA to plug an extension cord into another extension cord-?

You can plug an extension cord into another extension cord. A extension cord is to help make doing something easier.


How do you put a new plug on a cord?

* Cut the cord * strip the three wires * link them up to the correct terminals in the plug * insert the right fuse for the product * BE CAREFUL * DON'T DO THIS IF YOU ARE UNSURE


Why in a 110v system the live on the plug curcuit is on the top when it is horrizontally?

Receptacles are installed that way so that if any downward pulling or anything falling on the cord plug end the hot blade will disconnect first.


Where is the block heater cord in a ford escape 2006?

you have to buy the plug-in cord (for the block heater) separately. Block heater is about $34.00 CDN and the cord is about $75.00 CDN. The cord has the regular end to plug into your electrical socket and the other end has a special plug end for the heater.


How do hot plate work?

Hot plates work when u plug in the cord into the electrical output. Or if u have the new $1,000 hot plate that gets hot without having to plug in the wall just turn up the knob.


What steps do take to change the power cord on your tv?

unplug old cord...plug in new cord


What makes the electric cord on a oil base heater get hot?

It is normal for the cord on any heater to get warm after you are using it for awhile. If it gets so hot that it is uncomfortable to touch or the insulation becomes very soft, cracks, bubbles, or becomes brittle, you should stop using the heater. There may be a short in the cord, the wire inside may be partially broken in one or several spots, the cord might be cut, or the heater may be malfunctioning. For the price of these heaters it is advisable to simply replace one if it is malfunctioning. If you determine that the cord is at fault and you want to replace it, be sure to use a quality 14 gauge or heavier cord and make sure you have adequate strain relief on the cord as it enters the heater. If you buy the cord and plug separately make sure the plug is rated for at least 1500 watts or 13 amps and the new plug has the same number of prongs.


Where does the engine block heater cord plug into the engine on the 2008 super duty?

Your engine block heater cord plug is plugged into an extension cord, then into your garage or home outlet. Not into the engine.


How should you unplug an electrical cord?

To unplug an electrical cord, simply grasp the plug firmly and pull it straight out of the outlet. Avoid pulling on the cord itself to prevent damage. Make sure to disconnect the plug by the head, not the cord.