A couple of things can signal that your power strip is bad and needs to be replaced immediately. Here are some of the common signs of a bad power strip: ● If the device feels too hot to touch or has this pungent melting plastic smell ● Discolored, damaged, or frayed extension cord, especially if the wires are exposed ● If the switch, outlet, or fuse is broken ● Ozone smell and annoying crackling noise ● The power strip keeps turning on and off