I have a Babyliss and a Parlux hairdryer and they both flash blue when I turn the switches on. Is it normal? I was told by a friend that it is ok because electrical switches spark on the contacts on things which draw alot of current. Is this true? Are my hairdryers safe?
2007-01-18 22:31:48 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Parlux hairdryer was only purchased today.
2007-01-18 22:45:49 · update #1
And it really only flashes blue when switch is turned on or off. It doesn't actually spark.
2007-01-18 22:48:02 · update #2
You can often see small arcing, or flashes of blue light, whenever you turn on equipment. Switches that don't allow that arcing to happen are rather expensive, and it doesn't afford any greater safety to the user (now if you were using it inside a gas tank it would be a different story).
I would say you are in possible danger if it makes an audible popping sound - I don't mean to listen for it in a totally quite room, but if you are doing your thing in the bathroom and you hear it make a popping, or worse that elongated zizzz noise you've heard in movies, it's time to replace.
The reason i would go with the sound is that in a normal piece of equipment, the arcing should be over rather quickly and should not represent a lot of power used at the switch. If there is a defect in the equipment (like a short, or lowered impedance) then the arcing begins to dissipate a significant amount of power and takes more time. So, without getting test equipment out and turning it into a total science project, just use your ears.
2007-01-19 03:57:14 · answer #1 · answered by TKA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parlux Hairdryer
2016-12-17 13:35:28 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ditch them immediately. it just means there is a gaps somewhere there should be a contact and the sparks are charged air particles. if for any reason you ahuld be in contact with those points at a time when it is being switched on like in the instance of a general power outtage of fluctuating power you could attract some charge and be 'charged' (electrocuted) yourself
2007-01-18 22:37:20 · answer #3 · answered by onukpa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as it only sparks when you turn the switch, I'd say it's normal... there's already a possible contact when the 2 pieces of metal almost connect, causing a small spark (usually only visible in the dark) - if you see the sparks in light surroundings, I'd start to worry, though....
2007-01-18 22:36:52 · answer #4 · answered by Walter W. Krijthe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parlux Hair Dryer
2016-10-06 01:11:19 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not. It's an indication of a short (or an improper grounding).
Now, if you're seeing the blue flash inside where the heating element is at, that might be okay.
2007-01-18 22:37:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the flashes are visible, no. It means the contacts have dust, etc on them, and the problem will get worse.
2007-01-18 22:35:21 · answer #7 · answered by kvenn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
approximately electric equipment, if I observed some sparks interior of them, i do no longer dare to apply it till it particularly is been fixed. in simple terms out of your description, i don't understand what incorrect with your electric range. yet i think of you need to ask some expert ppl to learn it for you. solid success to you!
2016-12-12 15:06:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO
Get the socket checked out before you use it again
2007-01-18 22:36:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sparking down in the "Barrel" is usual. but idk if it's the switch i'd ditch that thing because you may be risking electrocution when you use it.
2007-01-18 22:45:32 · answer #10 · answered by eskew_obfuscation 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋