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Yes, a hot or overheating outlet is a fire hazard and can cause a fire. An outlet becoming hot indicates an electrical problem, such as an overloaded circuit, loose connections, or a faulty component. The heat from these issues can ignite nearby flammable materials like curtains or furniture. If you notice an outlet is hot to the touch, turn off the power at the circuit breaker, unplug any connected devices, and consult a qualified electrician. If a fire does start, use a Class C fire extinguisher or baking soda to suppress it, or evacuate immediately and call the fire department.

It’s important to ask an electrician a few questions before you commit to hiring them so you can make an informed decision as a consumer. If you’re getting estimates or considering hiring an electrician, ask them these questions:

• Are you a full-time electrician?

• Are you bonded, licensed, and insured?

• What level of experience do you have as an electrician?

• Can you please share three references?

• Do you do residential or commercial electrical work?

• What kinds of electrical work are you most familiar with?

• Will any subcontractors be performing the work?

• Are permits and inspections required?

• Who is responsible for obtaining permits and inspections?

• What is your schedule?

• Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your work?

• Will you sign a do-not-exceed clause to keep the job within the budget?

Yes, electricians must be licensed, certified, and in most cases, insured. Licensing requirements vary by state and local municipality, but most U.S. municipalities require electricians to hold an electrical contractor’s license. It's always a good practice to confirm requirements with your local municipality. Even if licensing is not required in your area, hiring a licensed and experienced electrician often leads to a better end result.

A license is a legal requirement to operate a business and is necessary for pulling project permits. Certifications, on the other hand, are typically voluntary and demonstrate a certain level of expertise. In some cases, a certified electrician may send an apprentice or journeyman to perform the work, but they must operate under a primary electrician who holds the proper license.

Before hiring, you should verify the electrician's license, insurance coverage, and any third-party certifications. You can use Angi’s contractor licensing search to confirm a pro's license status. Additionally, businesses with the “Angi Approved” badge on our platform meet strict criteria, including having the required state and local licenses, passing a background check, and maintaining a high average rating.

If you are having trouble determining the right breaker size for your water heater, it is a great idea to contact an electrician near you to help. They can help you determine the best option for your home and install the circuit breaker for you, ensuring that you have all the proper permits and that your circuit breaker won’t overload, which could lead to fire and other damage.