Why outlet sparks

Here are the reasons your electrical outlet may be acting up and when it's time to call an electrician. Not all sparks are a cause for concern. Sometimes outlets flicker when you plug in an appliance because you are diverting fast-moving electrical current into it.

This causes a quick draw on the available power, which results in a brief flash. This is likely normal unless it happens on a consistent basis.

When outlets have too much heat built up inside them, the insulation around the wires can melt - greatly increasing the chance of an electrical fire.

These days we have chargers for everything: Cell phones, iPads, e-readers, Bluetooth headphones, laptops, etc. This means lots of cords lying around your home or office at any given point. If any of these cords start to fray, dispose of them properly and purchase replacements. Proudly serving Clearwater and surrounding area homeowners. A FL Electrician Explains. Are Outlets That Spark Dangerous? What Causes Electrical Outlets Sparks? Looking to skip the information and get an electrician out to your Florida home today?

Schedule online or View our electrical services. But what if your electrical outlet is sparking frequently? While some sparking can be normal, frequent sparking can be a symptom of a serious problem. DIYing outlet repair or anything electricity related is dangerous, and hiring an unqualified electrician is potentially dangerous in the long run. As you now know, all outlets will naturally spark.

Installing electrical safety systems is a good way to prevent badly sparking outlets. Always remember that electricity can be deadly, particularly in situations where wires are crossed or electrical current has come into contact with moisture.

If you feel one of your outlets is sparking badly, make sure to contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible, and never try to connect a plug to a damaged outlet.

General Plumbing. Schedule Service. Financing Options. Reading Time: 3 minutes Everyone who has plugged in an appliance in their lifetime has seen it — a short burst of blue light, a brief spark that occurs right as the plug and outlet start to connect.

What Makes Outlets Start Sparking? What Is An Abnormal Spark? Big Sparks A very small spark is normal when connecting a plug to an appliance, so if you are seeing noticeable large sparks that appear to leap out of the plug socket, there is likely an issue that needs to be fixed.

Once the insulation is damaged, then arcing may occur. Arcing produces tremendous heat, just like lightening, and this can cause a fire in walls with wood studs or other combustionable materials. Under-sized wiring for the current being carried can also cause heat build-up in wiring and results in the insulation melting, cracking or malfunctioning. Wiring undersized for the breaker and the load its carrying is a serious fire safety concern.

Homes electrical circuits may have a number of outlets on them, at times too many for one circuit. If a homeowner connects too many appliances, especially ones that have a big electrical draw onto one circuit or outlet, it may create excessive heating of the wires, resulting in damage to the insulation; this may result in arcing or even a fire. Appliances with big power draws include space heaters, micro-waves, hair blow dryers, toasters, etc.

Note that overloaded circuits, damaged insulation, and arcing can also cause smoke and burn marks on an outlet or the cover. There are AFCI breakers and outlets that are designed to trip shut off the power when they sense arcing. When arcing occurs there is a tremendous amount of heat i. Wood studs and other flammable materials are easily set afire when arcing occurs.