A common question homeowner's have for electricians involves the sparking of outlets when plugging in an appliance. This may have been noticed with an electric space heater, a hair dryer or other small appliance. You may wonder if it is dangerous, and the answer is - it depends. The following discusses the potential causes of a sparking outlet, and when you need to contact a Mister Sparky electrician in Huntsville, AL for repair.
How it Works
In order to understand sparking and its potential causes, it helps to realize that behind the electrical outlet are wires ready to deliver electricity to your appliance. When you plug in an appliance the electricity makes contact with the plug of the appliance, creating a spark. You may not see it very often, although the contact is always …show more content…
Do not unplug the appliance. Instead, go to the home's electrical panel and shut off the circuit breaker for the outlet. Afterwards, you may unplug the appliance. This ensures you will not be shocked. A persistent spark is likely to indicate there is damage in the wiring providing service to the outlet. Contact an electrician in Huntsville, AL as damaged wiring presents a serious risk of electrical fire.
• Contact an electrician in Huntsville, AL when you smell burning, ozone, or smoke. This is a dangerous condition, and can cause property loss and imminent danger to your family.
To prevent the risk of fire, shock or injury, periodically inspect your outlets. Scorch or burn marks indicate potential overheating of wire and the need for a licensed, professional electrician in Huntsville, AL. Over time, the connections can loosen, causing arcing and large sparks, and the potential for shock or fire. Have GFCI outlets installed in locations near water, such as by sinks, or