why did plugging in my laptop lead into extension lead cause massive spark?

Question

There are now scorch marks on the prongs on the plug and on extension lead. Is the extension lead the problem?

Answer 1

it seems that something shorted out -- a hot wire (lead) was accidently connected to return or gound without a load in between.

By your phrasing, you are not an American. However, we still do not know where you are and what electrical load you are trying to connect to what.

if you are in a country with 220v electrical supply, please turn the power off at the wall switch before you try this ...

if other electrical items (a lamp for example) can be plugged into the extension lead without causing sparking after you turn the power back on, it is likely your laptop or its lead/power supply is the problem.

if the extension lead sparks with another item, or the fuse blows or circuit breaker pops, the problem is in the extension lead.

{I use lamps for tests like these because you usually can't damage anything more expensive than the bulb.}


GL

Answer 2

The most likely cause is a loose connection touching another wire thus blowing the fuse
Is the lead with the burnt plug the power supply lead because they are normally premoulded & if that is the cause the manufactures need to know please get it checked as to where it broke the extention or power lead
I do hope you are ok be careful with electrics

Answer 3

yes it is ment to be dangerous but i do it all the time at the moment i have 3 extensoin leads connected to 1 another and then plugged into 1 socket and nothings gone wrong so far. so i think its ok as long as u dont use every applience that u have plugged in2 the extention leads all at the same time

Answer 4

Hi,
Sound like the live wire was connected to the earth connection on the socket end of the lead, which then earthed out on the laptop case connection. "BE CAREFULL" get a pro to look at it first.