Is the occasional electrical spark more than just that? Trust our reliable team to decipher a dangerous spark so you can receive the best professional care!
Sometimes, when plugging in a phone charger or plugging out a kitchen appliance, you may see a small spark, especially if you have an old outlet or overload the circuit. This occasional occurrence is normal, allowing many homeowners to go on with their regular activities. However, if the sparks are sizable or continue long after you connect them to the outlet, you’ll wonder, “What causes an outlet to spark?”
When you need an electrician in Marshfield, MA, and surrounding areas, trust Crowe Electric. Our team explains what causes outlet sparks and if you need an outlet replacement.
Top Reasons for an Outlet Spark
Because electricity transfer occurs upon plugging or unplugging a cord from an outlet, the rapid draw of electricity from your main grid causes a quick spark. While this is normal, other origins of a spark are not and can lead to actual dangers.
Moisture Touching the Outlets
While moisture is most common in bathrooms and kitchens, especially with high humidity levels and nearby running water, spills in other household areas also cause water to reach outlets. It’s commonly known that water mixing with electricity causes shocks and fires. So, install a ground fault interrupter to lower the chances of a short circuit occurring since it shuts down the circuit upon noticing warning signs.
Overloading the Circuit
Imagine you’re making dinner, which requires plugging in numerous devices at once. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t plug in more than two to three items into one single outlet in your home to prevent overloading. But if you do, an electrical discharge may produce a large spark, which is caused by pulling too much energy at once.
Therefore, refrain from using power strips that allow you to plug in an average of six plugs per socket. You should also unplug any devices or cables that you aren’t using.
Outlets Reaching the End of Their Lifespans
Three-prong electrical outlets usually last 15 years before specialists recommend you replace them. However, outlets usually only decline with constant use, meaning yours can remain intact for up to 30 years if they’re not in high demand. Still, once their lifespan has come to an end, you’ll want to keep an eye out for constant sparking; replace them to prevent future fires.
Short-Circuiting
Another answer to, “What causes an outlet to spark?” is short-circuiting. With inadequate resistance, electrical currents travel past their intended circuit, causing short-circuiting. This occurs with worn wires and accidental contact between non-conductive and conductive components.
Short-circuiting causes a high current flow, which creates hot wires. When this occurs, the circuit breaker shuts off energy to the outlet to prevent an accidental surge that could cause a house fire or shock. Call a professional to examine your circuits and determine whether your outlet needs repairing or replacing.
Poor Maintenance or Repairs
If you’ve had a subpar repair occur recently, you may have noticed the usual warning signs continuing or worsening. That’s why it’s crucial to hire someone with years of experience and the qualifications to work on your home’s electrical system.
In What Cases Does an Expert Change a Bad Outlet?
In some cases, your qualified technician may be able to make a minor repair to remedy the situation. But any of the following warning signs indicate you have a bad outlet that needs replacing:
- Unusually large sparks that indicate interference or large electrical outputs caused by structural damage
- Sparking that happens long after you plug in an appliance, despite what you plug in, also known as intermittent or uninterrupted sparking
- Blue sparks are normal, but a white or yellow spark means you have loose wiring or other electrical damage
- A burning odor accompanying the spark, which indicates a hot outlet that can become a fire hazard
Contact the Number-One Electrical Team in the Area!
No one should ever take electrical safety lightly. Not only can it cause shocks to your loved ones and degrade appliances, but it can also cause house fires. Ensure your home is safe at all times with our electrical services.
We conduct inspections, repairs, and replacements alongside surge protection and outlet installations. We also provide 24/7 assistance and answer all your questions, from, “What happens when you overload a circuit?” to, “What causes an outlet to spark?” So, get in touch in Marshfield, MA, by calling Crowe Electric at 781-678-8266 today!