AboutMaster Bob Expertise Master Electrician / Owner RKO Electric (USA Only) - can answer most of the typical residential, commercial and industrial electrical questions regarding new installations, wiring additions, lighting, switches and receptacle outlets and electrical upgrades of any nature.I will make every effort to respond to your questions as soon as possible at the end of the work day...very busy electrical company - your patience is appreciated. Stop by and see us at: www.rkoelectric.com
Experience Licensed Master Electrician with over 32 years licensed experience - updated with the latest NEC Codes every 3 years. Over see the daily electrical operations of two electrical companies. Also serve as a judge (for Electrical Contracting Products Magazine) to help select which new products are fit and safe for electricians and the electrical market.
Question I recently had a digital cable tv receiver box hooked up; the receiver itself isn't hot but the small black transformer box coming from it that plugs into an electrical outlet (it's plugged into a surge protector outlet) is hot to the touch, not so hot that you can't touch it but definitely more than a little warm and that's when it is turned off (being on doesn't make it hotter). I know those get warm but not sure about hot. Main concern is, can something like that cause a fire? Thanks
Answer Hi Lee,
Just getting in - been one busy summer electrical season so far...just hope it lasts.
Essentially - any thing that uses electricity - can overheat and cuase a fire in the event of a short or other malfunction.(just as anything that uses gas could). But - most of the small power adapters all tend to run very warm (I've got some here that you could possibly fry an egg on..) ....it's essentially a small transformer that converts or modifies the electric power from 120 volts AC household voltage to 5, 10 , 12 or 16 volts DC (or sometimes a lower AC voltage - depending on what it's running) ...and ANY time electricity is converted (or inverted)...heat is a natural by-product of the process.
If they are not auto-sensing (ie - having an internal circuit that senses when the device it is running is off...so it then shuts itself off as well) ...then it will continue to convert power 24/7 - whether the cable box is on or not...as you stated. Does your description sound abnormal..? No...pretty much typical - unless it gets so hot you can't even touch it without danger of getting a burn...THEN you have a real problem...and the risk of potential fire.
So - based on your desription...your OK. If you have access to a thermal gun (that will actual give you a digital read out of the temperature of the transformer case)...you might want to occassionally monitor it...to see if it exceeds 160 degrees...and IF it does - unplug it and replace it. (I bought a infrared thermal gun here at the local Home Depot for $29.....very handy tool for checking temperatures of electrical devices and connections....or anything else..were ever you shoot the beam...you'll get an exact readout)..
Hope this helps Lee...if you need more info - please follow-up. (NOTE: Will be out of the area for the next few days before the Holiday week-end...and will mark myself as away "on vacation" until I return - however - you can still reach me by direct email at:
About Electrical Wiring in the Home
This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here
