a big spark too!
2006-12-10 02:10:19 · 15 answers · asked by lost 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If the plug was attached to something that was switched on (for example, an electric kettle) the electric current will 'jump' the pins before they have made good contact with the socket. In extreme cases this can clear a fuse due to inrush current.
moral - always make sure something is switched off before plugging in.
2006-12-12 01:25:49 · answer #1 · answered by Daddybear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly some of the advice/answers people give here scare me.
If you have a device that draws a lot of current, Kettle, electric heater etc then you may experience a spark if it is switched on as you plug it in because you are creating a circuit and current is trying to flow along it.
A similar thing happens when you connect up a car battery.
2006-12-10 23:43:10 · answer #2 · answered by The mad Scotsman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most obvious answer is that you have a loose connection either in the socket or the plug. It is possible to get a large spark if you plug something into a socket that is already switched on if it has a big load ie kettle,toaster,or iron or if you are in damp conditions if unsure always call a competent person
2006-12-10 02:21:05 · answer #3 · answered by Terence K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any time a connection is made, a light switch flipped there is a certain amount of spark. usually it is not visible and in the case of a light switch it is contained by the plastic case. If you had an appliance turned on, or Christmas tree lights w/o any switch in the circuit, this could have happened as well. One of the additional benefits of computers is invention the surge protectors which give us more flexibility and protection on things such as entertainment systems. if this is a continuing problem, I recommend that you get one, plug it into the wall outlet and then plug your cord into that.
2006-12-10 02:25:11 · answer #4 · answered by auhunter04 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
egads.. so many think they know so much but one here is correct...
NOOO you dont always have a spark when you turn or plug something in...as one said...that is absurd...
When and if you have a solid and secure connection in the wires there is NO spark and the current is simply routed through as if there was no connection and it was one wire...
However when you have ANYTHING plugged in and its RUNNING..and unplug it or plug it in....a spark will occur since the current is trying to jump the gap to make a connection...(like lightning does with the earth or a lawnmower does with a Spark plug when you remove the wire...(same on a car)...
anytime a relay or older type tstat also trips will also cause a spark...as well as a light switch
2006-12-10 04:04:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
carldc is correct, unfortunately I am not a level 2 so I can't vote for the best answer. Just got hooked this week to this haha.
Just make sure that your appliance is turned off when you plug it in and unplug it. It is possible for a fire to start in your wall if you don't follow that advise.
2006-12-10 02:18:54 · answer #6 · answered by Building Inspector 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be worn out "loose fitting". Replace the reseptical in the wall. Quick job. Make sure the power is off even if you have to trip the main breaker.
2006-12-10 05:43:22 · answer #7 · answered by redbass 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have noticed that too, whilst spending any time in America. I've never seen it at home. That would tie in with the whole "current jumping the gap" thing, because in GB you have an on/off switch on the socket, and in US you don't.
2006-12-10 04:16:48 · answer #8 · answered by Gardenclaire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this happens when the air mixes with the nitrogen in the plug, this is a natural occurence, and what is known as bio plug-occurnce these are totally safe and should be nothing to worry about.
2006-12-10 06:43:47 · answer #9 · answered by robzi 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
the device you plugged in has a short in it could cause a fire check it out or wall circuit has a short.
2006-12-10 02:20:33 · answer #10 · answered by MJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋