Why does my decorative lamp stay warm to touch after a short time?

Some warmth can be normal in a lamp that is switched on for a while, but it should never become uncomfortably hot or smell of overheating. The Smartwares IDE-60038 is a 3 W LED plug in lamp, so excessive heat is a warning sign rather than expected behaviour. fileciteturn0file0turn0file9

What to check

1. Switch the lamp off and let it cool completely.
2. Check that it is not placed against fabric, curtains, paper or other heat-sensitive items.
3. Make sure air can circulate around the lamp.
4. Use it again briefly and observe whether the warmth rises quickly or remains moderate.

What the result means

If the lamp only feels mildly warm, that may be acceptable. If the heat builds up quickly, or if the surface becomes too hot to touch comfortably, the lamp may be faulty or overworked by a mismatched bulb or restricted airflow. Do not keep testing it for long periods.

When to stop using it

Stop using the lamp immediately if you notice melting, deforming, discoloration, smoke, a hot plug or a burning smell. Do not cover the lamp or place it near flammable materials. If the heating issue continues, contact the retailer or store where it was purchased.