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What should I do if my electrical outlets are sparking?

Chances are you have already experienced your electrical outlets sparking at some point. A blue spark is seen when you plug in an appliance. In most cases, this is completely harmless, it you will want to pay close attention to it, as sparks can be early warning signs of serious electrical problems.

Why Electrical Outlets Spark

An electrical system in the home is separated into circuits with some circuits having a number of electrical outlets. Electric current runs hot and fast on a continuous loop, while the outlet provides you with the opportunity to add an appliance to the power. When this happens, there is a second where the plug and outlet connections almost touch. This enables the current to reach across the gap, producing a spark. 

This happens every time you plug something into an electrical socket, though you probably don't always see it. Don't assume that your electrical outlets sparking is normal, as it could also indicate a serious problem.

How Dangerous is Outlet Sparks?

A quick second spark when you first plug in an appliance is not normally cause for concern, but if you see consistent sparking with your plugs, it should be a worry. If you see this, it's advisable to call in a qualified electrician to carry out an inspection, ensuring your electrical system is safe, reducing the risk of electrocution or an electrical fire.

What are Dangerous Sparks?

There are four electrical outlet sparks you must never ignore. If you experience any of the below sparks, ensure you call the DKP Electrics team immediately for an electrical inspection:

  • Yellow or White Sparks – This is cause for concern, as harmless sparks are blue
  • Long sparks – safe sparks are a split second, one that lingers is cause for concern 
  • Smoke smell – if your electrical outlet sparks with a smoke smell, or the smell of melting plastic, you have a problem that requires immediate attention 
  • Big Sparks – if the sparks leap out of the electrical outlet, you will want to call in the professionals without delay. 

What Causes Problematic Sparks from Electrical Outlets?

There are numerous reasons why you may be experiencing dangerous sparking from your electrical outlets:

Short circuits

When the outlet's hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire, it can cause a short circuit. When a short circuit takes play, the outlet draws a large current, producing a vast amount of heat, melting wire sheaths, and in extreme cases, causing an electrical fire. 

Moisture

We all know that dampness and moisture doesn't go hand in hand with electricity. You may have dampness in your walls or maybe a liquid spilled on the outlet cover. Moisture can result in short circuits and serious electrical damage.

Overloading

If you have too many devices and appliances plugged into one electrical outlet, you increase the risk of sparking. Spread out your appliances over numerous outlets and circuits.

Old Electrical Outlets

Over time, the electrical contact points inside your electrical outlets can wear. Extreme wear results in electrical arching, which needs to inspected and repaired by an experienced electrician.

Incorrect Repairs

If you have noticed an electrical outlet is sparking and it was recently installed or repaired, you may want to have it inspected by an experienced and qualified electrician. Incorrect repairs carried out by someone without the required qualifications can be dangerous to your home and family.

Conclusion

If you have noticed one or more of the electrical outlets in your home sparking, consider calling in the DKP Electrics team to ensure that6 they are safe for use, avoiding the risk of serious damage in the long run.

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