Electric cord hot to the touch on my dishwasher - appliance issue or the power outlet?

Question

I have an "apartment" size dishwasher that I use. It is mounted on wheels so that I can move it to the sink in my kitchen. My husband called me at work last night and told me that the plug on the dishwasher was extremely hot to the touch from the plug down the cord. The plate on the wall (outlet cover) was also hot. this is the first occurrence that we have had with either this outlet or appliance. So you think that it is a problem with the power cord going into the the dishwasher, or should I call an electrician first and have the outlet checked? I have not tried running anything else on that outlet to see if I get the same results yet.

Answer 1

If the machine or the contacts are not very old, it could be a simple problem of either loose contacts in the socket where the plug is inserted. If the current carrying wires are also hot, the motor is drawing higher current, in that case the rating of the cables is to be checked. Alternatively, the motor may be over loaded, requiring higher current. The plug-socket joint and the wires getting hot is not a healthy sign which may cause fire. Hence the situation must be remedied immediately.