Originally Posted by JoeJr

Some warmth in the foot controller may not be unusual, especially if it's run at intermediate speeds, as the controller will be creating resistance which with electricity will mean heat (your electric oven is resistance heat).

If you have even the slightest doubts about it make sure you have an electrician check it.

I would certainly open up the foot control and clean it out. I have been quite surprised a number of times by how much foreign matter I find in a foot control unit.