Are you experiencing sparking and popping every time you plug something into an electrical outlet? Electrical outlets may sometimes produce a quick spark when you plug in something because you’re diverting a fast-moving electrical current into it, which is completely normal.

However, if your electrical outlets flicker when you plug in something, it could signal a potentially dangerous problem. Understanding the causes of electrical outlet sparking can help you know when the issue is dangerous or not.

If you smell a burning smell or smoke after an outlet spark, you should shut off the outlet immediately and call an electrician. Below are some top reasons your electrical outlet sparks.

1. EXCESS SHOCK

Excess shock or excess current is a major cause of abnormal sparks. There are three wires in a circuit, including a hot, neutral, and ground wire. The hot wires are black and provide electric current to the circuit, while neutral wires are white and provide a return path for the electric current to complete an electrical circuit. Ground wires are fail-safe in case something goes wrong.

Excess shock occurs when the hot wire touches the neutral wire in a circuit, causing extra current to flow through the circuit. This is known as a short circuit.

A short circuit leads to overheating and can melt wire sheaths, leaving them exposed. If not rectified, exposed wires increase the risk of an electrical fire occurring after a spark.

2. LOOSE OUTLETS

Like all the other fixtures and appliances in your house, electrical outlets will show signs of wear and tear over time. As your electrical outlets age with time, they become loose, worn out, and outdated.

Loose outlets increase the risk of short-circuiting, sparking, and even catching fire. Loose electrical outlets cause most house fires. You can prevent this by regularly inspecting and replacing loose and old electrical outlets, especially if you live in an old house.

3. POOR WIRING

Improperly installed electrical outlets or poor wiring as a whole can cause electrical outlets to spark and have potentially catastrophic effects such as electrical fires. For example, if you have any old wires in your walls or ceilings that aren’t properly grounded, they could cause electrical outlet sparking.

Another example is an improperly installed fuse box or a circuit breaker. The fuse box is where all your household’s power supplies are stored. If the wires in your fuse box are improperly installed, they can come in contact with each other and cause a short circuit.

In addition, older houses with old wiring are subject to wire damage through deterioration, overheating, or even rodents chewing the insulation leaving the wires exposed. Exposed wires increase the risk of short-circuiting, which can lead to electrical outlet sparking.

WHAT NOW?

Electrical outlets are important parts of your home, as they provide access to electricity to power lights and other appliances. Electric outlets don’t usually spark unless there is something wrong with the outlet or it is used with older equipment.

If your electrical outlets are emitting sparks, even if you think they are normal, never ignore them. If a serious problem could cause the sparking in your electrical grid — this can be dangerous, especially if you have small children around.

You should never repair any electrical system in your house if you are not an experienced electrician, no matter how simple the task seems. An expert electrical technician can diagnose and fix problems with outlets in your home, so don’t wait and call an electrician.

If your electrical outlet is sparking, don’t hesitate to contact Smart-Safe Electrical Services immediately for help.