wiring attched to receptical glows like it is going to catch fire. Is the receptical going bad or bad wiring?

Answer 1

UNPLUG IT NOW!
If the plug wire is glowing already, chances are good the wiring to the RECEPTACLE is heating up because you have OVERLOADED that wire. A major cause of fires at christmas time is multiple extension cords plugged into one receptacle-tree and window lights, everything...next step from glowing wires is a FIRE.
Unplug everything-NOW...and do not plug it all back in! And DON'T think you are going to get around it by running extension cords from everything to another receptacle in the same or next room or hallway. Normal house wiring is the SAME circuit would handle all the outlets in several rooms-so you are not going to be splitting the load up.
I'm sorry-you are facing a deadly fire!Why is an overloaded outlet a problem?

An overloaded outlet can overheat and potentially create an electrical fire.

To prevent other electrical hazards, review this list and then take steps to remedy the situation.

Potential Hazard: Overloaded circuits can cause an electrical fire.
What To Look For: Outlet or wall is warm to the touch; outlet is discolored; circuit breakers frequently trip or fuses frequently blow; a burnt smell of insulation is noticeable.
Remedy: Have an electrician run a dedicated circuit and install additional outlets.

Potential Hazard: Overloaded extension cord can cause an electrical fire.
What To Look For: Extension cord is warm to the touch.
Remedy: (1) Use an extension cord with the same or larger wire size as the cord being extended. (2) Since extension cords are designed for temporary use, have an electrician install additional outlets and you don't need to use extension cords.

Answer 2

If it glows it is going to catch fire. Glowing is the sign of an overload and should be tripping the breaker (or blowing the fuse).

It could be too high an amperage breaker (fuse) with too low a wire gage. Shut down that circuit immediately and find out what the problem is. If an overload like that is not tripping the breaker or fuse, something is seriously wrong. What is the load you are putting on that circuit?

Merry Christmas!

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Answer 3

This is certainly a dangerous situation. The wiring may be undersized for the load or the connections to the receptacle are loose or corroded, the added resistance creates heat.

What are you running on this receptacle? I would replace the receptacle and check that the proper breaker is being used for the wire size.

You will also need to replace any wire that has the insulation burned.

If this is aluminum wire you need to contact an electrician. These types of problems can happen with aluminum wire.

Answer 4

For the love of Pete, cut the power to it! DANGER-DANGER-DANGER!

Answer 5

all that will happen is the recpticle will melt and short out and trip the breaker