As a homeowner, I know you sometimes witness an outlet spark when you plug in an appliance. While it is common and mostly harmless, it can be an early sign of electrical problems.
This article will pinpoint the major causes of outlet sparking, and how to fix it. Read on for complete details.
What is an outlet spark?
An outlet spark is an electrical issue that arises due to a brief burst of electricity between an outlet and a plug. It can be caused by several factors, such as short circuit, moisture and circuit overload.
While some sparking can be normal, a prolonged spark can be a sign of a serious problem. It is thus important to know the differences so that you can take preventative measures on time.
Is it normal for an electrical outlet to spark?
Yes, a very small spark is normal when you are trying to plug an appliance into an electrical outlet. However, if you notice a large spark from the socket, there may likely be an electrical fault that needs to be fixed.
Why does my outlet spark when I plug something in?
Your outlet sparks for several reasons such as
Electrical short circuit
A short circuit can occur in an electrical system when a hot wire comes in contact with the neutral or ground wire. This can cause the outlet to draws more current, producing higher heat which may melt the wire insulators and cause electrical fires.
Circuit Overload
Every circuit breaker in an electrical system is rated to carry a certain amount of load. The higher the number of devices you plug into a single outlet, the greater the chance of sparking.
It is advisable to spread your appliances wisely across outlets and circuits.
Moisture or wet environment
Water is a good conductor of electricity. If there is moisture around your outlet, it can cause it to spark.
Moisture can come from a leak within the wall or a splash if the outlet is in the bathroom or kitchen.
It is advisable to install a ground fault circuit interrupter (gfci outlet) in your bathroom or kitchen to protect you from ground fault.
Old outlet
With repeated use over time, an electrical outlet can wear and tear. When this happens, the chances of sparking and catching fire will be higher.
It is advisable to have your outlets inspected by a licensed electrician and repaired or replaced if necessary, to prevent fire hazard.
Loose Connections
Over time, the wire connections inside your outlet or within the plug can loosen. This can cause arcing when two charges come into contact.
Substandard repair
If you hire a quack to install or or wire your electrical system, he may end up getting it wrong. Always contact a professional electrician when you notice an electrical fault.
Safety risks associated with sparking outlet
Sparking outlets can pose severe risks if ignored. Here are some risks:
Electrical fires
Excessive sparks can make an outlet to overheat and cause electrical fires.
Electric shock
If you come into contact with a sparking outlet, you may be at risk of electric shock. This can cause severe injury or even death if there are underlying electrical issues.
Damage electrical appliances
A sparking outlet can also damage your plugged-in appliances, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
It is therefore important to handle a sparking outlet promptly to prevent electrical hazards.
What to do if your outlet is sparking
If you notice a sparking outlet in your home, make sure you address it immediately. Here are the steps to take.
Turn off the power
Go to your breaker box and turn off the power to the affected outlet.
Unplug devices
Remove any appliances or devices plugged into the sparking outlet
Call mariaelectricals for assistance.
Call a licensed electrician to inspect and diagnose the issue for you. Avoid fixing the issue yourself to prevent further damage or injury.
Research shows that about 67% of house fires arise from bad wiring and similar electrical defects. Contact us to to help you and fix the problem
Avoid using the outlet
Until the problem is fixed, refrain from using the outlet to prevent further damage.
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