Why Your Outlets Spark When You Plug Something In
When you plug something in, the last thing you expect is for a spark to shoot out. Unfortunately, this type of problem is fairly common if you have old or damaged outlets. Additionally, overloaded circuits frequently short-circuit and cause sparks.
No matter what the cause is, you should always reach out for professional help. When outlets spark, it represents a significant safety hazard that needs to be addressed right away. Left unrepaired, these sparks can start fires, cause electric shocks, and damage your expensive appliances.
At Clearwater Mister Sparky, our licensed electricians can quickly evaluate your electrical systems. Then, we can recommend the best repairs to protect your family’s safety and comfort.
5 Reasons Why Your Outlet Might Spark
The following five reasons are the most common causes behind sparking outlets. No matter what the cause, it’s important to always reach out for professional repairs because of the potential risks involved.
1. A Short Circuit
If there is a short circuit in your wiring, it can increase the likelihood of fires, damaged appliances, electric shocks, and sparks. Short circuits typically occur when an electrical current follows a path that it isn’t supposed to.
While short circuits can happen for many reasons, outdated and faulty appliances tend to be the most common cause. For example, old hairdryers or microwaves may trip your circuit breaker.
2. Overloaded Electrical Circuits
An electrical circuit can become overloaded if too many things are plugged into a single circuit. Basically, the short happens because all of the appliances and devices are trying to pull more power than the circuit is rated to handle. This causes the wiring to overheat and can damage the insulation around the wires. Eventually, it can cause a fire.
Besides a fire risk, overloaded circuits can also cause appliances to fail. Because of this, it is essential to pay attention to common signs that your circuits are overloaded. A burning smell and recurring tripped breakers are both major indicators that you need a professional electrician to evaluate and repair the outlet.
3. Older Outlets
Even the best quality of outlets will eventually start to wear down over time. When this happens, they are more likely to spark. In addition, frayed cords can also cause sparking.
4. Faulty Installations
You should never have work done by anyone who isn’t a licensed electrician. When outlets are installed and repaired badly, it can lead to major safety hazards. If the outlet isn’t grounded, it can cause an electric shock. Frayed wiring and loosely connected wires can trigger electrical arcing, which is also a fire hazard.
If you notice an outlet sparking, it may be due to poor electrical work. Besides being a safety hazard, this electrical issue can also damage your appliances. Any outlets that weren’t installed by an electrician in accordance with building codes could also violate your home warranty and cause issues with your home insurance.
5. Moisture
Finally, outlets spark when moisture is present. Currently, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to be installed if a water source is within 6 feet of the outlet. With a GFCI, the circuit trips as soon as an electrical fluctuation happens. If you don’t have a GFCI outlet, the presence of water can cause the outlet to short out or spark.
When Should an Outlet Be Replaced?
Sometimes, the underlying issue can be dealt with using minor repairs. When this isn’t possible, it may be necessary to replace the entire outlet. In general, you can expect a full replacement in the following situations.
- When sparking occurs after the appliance has been plugged in for a while, it’s a sign you need a new outlet.
- Sparks that are unusually large are an indication that there may be structural damage or interference.
- Any burning smells mean the outlet is getting overheated and could catch on fire.
- While blue sparks can sometimes happen, yellow and white sparks are a major cause for concern. These colors indicate electrical damage or loose wiring.
Help Is Just a Phone Call Away
When outlets spark, you need to get help immediately. This type of problem can lead to a fire or electrocution. At Mister Sparky, we have years of experience in diagnosing and repairing complex electrical problems. Our licensed electricians show up on time and ready to work, so you can quickly achieve the results you need. Don’t put up with any malarkey. Call Mister Sparky!
