Why Do Plugs and Sockets Spark?

In Episode TEN I'll explain why Plugs and Sockets SPARK from an established Electrician in Sheffield.
Also what you can do about it. Do you have a plug or socket or phone charger or extension that is sparking or overheating?
Watch this video and check out the comments to find out what you can do about sparking plugs and sockets.
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Simon
ALSO For more resource and discussions, see the facebook group:
/ ukelectrician
Your local trusted Electrician in Sheffield.

[@RealSimonBarker]

I recently added a page so that you can sign up and get updated with not just Videos, but also my Blog posts and email tips. The page is here: www.sbarker.co.uk/subscribe-to-us

[@wombatwillie363]

Thank you, Simon! You've just educated me on what the problem is likely to be with my burnt sockets... they are loose and not gripping securely the prongs of whatever I am plugging into it. That springiness you talked about is gone, and so I'll be replacing all these loose sockets with fresh ones. Thanks again, my friend. Great video and lesson! ~Willie

[@gingerelectrician]

Not a problem Willie but please change this safely. If I’m doubt always get someone qualified to do it as there are other hazard when changing sockets too (see my other videos).

[@shreenenderiz7230]

2023 and this video answered a long time concern of mine. Thanks!

[@RealSimonBarker]

You're welcome :-)

[@mazza7419]

2024 and mine also answered.

[@juansolanas3423]

Hi Simon! Your video is very useful and I've enjoyed a lot your explanation. Thanks you for your kindness!!

[@RealSimonBarker]

Thank you for your kind comment. It's always nice to hear that my efforts are worthwhile. :-) Have a fantastic day

[@aaronwright9284]

Thank you. Had an issue at my house. I saw some sparks. I unplugged our washer and dryer. The electric company fixed some wires at my house. I plugged the dryer back in and it started sparking. The plug in the wall is very loose. It definitely needs to be replaced.

[@RealSimonBarker]

Yes, the socket will often need replacing with the wiring because when the wiring burns out, it affects the socket OR vice versa. Thanks for watching

[@kartiksharma5428]

great video, saved lot of my time... thank you new subscriber

[@RealSimonBarker]

Thank you for subscribing I hope you enjoy other videos

[@Justdoit20024]

Hi Simon my guitar amp plug flashed when I plugged into an extension now it doesn’t work I think it’s the fuse but not sure I can’t remember when if flashed if it was a blue or white light it happened so quick will anew fuse help?

[@Koozwad]

Thanks for this info. I plugged in a computer the other day and a huge spark came from the wall socket right next to my hand(couple centimetres away). Thankfully didn't feel it but I think it completely fried the computer. It also tripped the circuit and blew a fuse. The computer power cable I plugged in also got quite damaged on one of the pins from it(a big chunk taken out of it with dark scorch marks(same mark inside the wall socket). Gotta say it was not a nice experience but it has given me an opportunity to learn more about it and buy some surge protectors.

[@RealSimonBarker]

Yes surge protection is useful and now (in the UK and other countries) you can add Surge Protected at your Distribution Board (Fuseboard). Then you can also buy surge protection sockets as well as Surge Protection Extension Leads. So in addition to the condition of what your plugs and sockets, you might also want to make sure you aren't overloading the socket or extension too. Finally keep checking the cables for damage, as well as the equipment (dust in PCs and so on). Maybe invest in some simple cable tidying to keep it from getting damaged, even if you make your own with plastic trunking or similar,

[@Koozwad]

@@RealSimonBarker Oh that sounds very interesting thanks for the ideas. Had no idea it was possible at the fuseboard or sockets. Would you say that it is important to add surge protection to all areas and sockets of the house? For example for each wall socket, to only use a surge protector and never just plug appliances directly into the wall. I will definitely keep an eye on the cables and maybe hang spares up in a closed space. Do you know if it's safe to clean (unplugged of course)cable pins with cleaning alcohol(99.9% isopropyl)? By the way I'm in The Netherlands not sure if that changes anything. Sockets seem to be grounded here.

[@RealSimonBarker]

@@Koozwad The latest electrical regs (IN the UK from September 2022 onwards) suggests that you should use Surge Protection at the fuseboard level. So by default a lot of Electricians will be fitting these now. They are around a £50 addition to the price of a modern board that will take it (Price will be up and down from that in future).

[@Koozwad]

@@RealSimonBarker Alright I'll be sure to mention it when I get an electrician over. My electrical system here is very old and for the most part doesn't seem to have been updated in a few decades. Got a lot of old retro wall sockets too that have long lost their grip while I barely used some of them. Thanks for your advice.

[@Aar0nDown]

Should I be concerned if my light I just sparked the first time I plugged it in, but works fine every other time I plug it in and the light works with no problems other than this one time I plugged it in ? Have not had it spark since. My light was purchased with no intention of unplugging the cord when not in use

[@redwanahmedfahim7028]

Found it helpful, thanks a lot!

[@RealSimonBarker]

thank you

[@redwanahmedfahim7028]

@@RealSimonBarker welcome

[@amalendusaaya]

Thank you🙏

[@kensho4623]

My socket started to spark with blue sparks and made a popping noise when I plugged something in, I've unplugged everything now but is this normal or a much larger problem?

[@gingerelectrician]

Check the plug is not worn - If not see if it does those on the newest socket in the house too. If all is in good condition then plug in with the switch off, then switch on once it's plugged in. Make sure nothing overheats too (at the socket side) and on the flat plate once it's been used a while

[@joycelynnorgbey8931]

I have a new fridge and it sparks. Will a surge be okay to stop the sparking?

[@JaiSiyaram1000]

Thank you so much Sir❤

[@RealSimonBarker]

Most welcome Sam

[@Biharibabulive1]

nice sir nice explained really get helped LOVE from INDIA

[@RealSimonBarker]

No Problem

[@RealSimonBarker]

Yes that’s a good way to handle it. But of course you should also remove them now and again to ensure there are no stiff of burning out pins. Just to visually check every now and then.

[@souvl4kiii]

Thank you for this! but my laptop charger rubber protection just got cut and i got zapped a bit, it won't charge and everytime i put it in, i see a huge spark. what do i do?

[@electricalbusinesscommunity]

If the insulation on the charger is damaged (enough to give you a shock) then you need to replace it with a new one (and bin the old one)

[@Lorn123]

This happened me too a while ago, had to just get a new one

[@unknownwolf4046]

@@electricalbusinesscommunity I done that with VHS player years ago as a kid when I was hooking it up dam it shocked me I even been zap by shock wire fence

[@RealSimonBarker]

@@unknownwolf4046 ouch!

[@nickboy9406]

I have a charger that plugges in to anything it sparkes or is like eltricity pop and it looks comletly fine

[@gingerelectrician]

It's usually more cosmetic than an issue (although note the points about making sure the pins are clean and also the socket connections not loose). To prevent the sparking, switch off the socket first, then plug in, then switch on again once it's plugged in.

[@theforgottenperson8381]

When ı plug my Xbox Cabel it sparks then ı pull it back and pluug it again why is it like that and can it. Sparkle cause cable and sockets are dirty and how do ı prevent this

[@ocan1033]

I was moving a piece of furniture recently and struck a plug coming out of a socket, causing it to spark internally for a few seconds. Would this mean that the socket needs replacing or securing or is this typical ? There is no spark during normal operation, but I'm wondering if it should be able to withstand that sort of thing without sparking?

[@RealSimonBarker]

Check if any damage was caused when the plug got caught. Make sure the plug is not bent or damaged and also no cracks on the socket. It may have sparked naturally as it withdrew from being pulled. But definately check the condition and that the pins on the plug are clean and bright and that the plug fits in the socket securely and not loosely. Compare it to how other sockets feel, especially any newer ones that you've had fitted. Simon

[@ocan1033]

Thank you@@RealSimonBarker

[@m.y.a.111]

I want to know what could cause a psu to spark when turned on, I don't know if you know about that equipment. The thing is that the sparks are similar to the ones you are talking about, I don't know if it is serious or if that could happen to a certain extent and be normal.

[@RealSimonBarker]

Hi without seeing it, this is hard to tell. But if it's where the power cord attached to the PSU unit itself (usually there's two seperate parts that plug into each other), ensure that is tightly connected and not loose. Otherwise if there's any visual damage, cracks in the casing, signs of overheating, then it will want replacing.

[@sarahguin7400]

I try to plug in my A/C in to all the plugins an it'll run for five minutes and cut off. The cord gets very warm. I tested all my plugin's and they say correct wiring. Would it just be my A/C needs cleaned?

[@RealSimonBarker]

Difficult to say without seeing it, but I would have someone check the aircon unit, the connections in the plug, the suitability of the socket (and how much load is on that same circuit). That's just for starters. Get a local Electrician to check it all out :-) Best to be safe than sorry.

[@Cara96]

I plugged in an electric heater into an extension lead and there was a flash from the extension lead. Now I’m worried something is wrong with the heater or the lead and I’m scared to use either. Advice?

[@RealSimonBarker]

Check there are no signs of arcing on the plug, no marks, no faded copper and all is clean and smooth. Then plug it in while switched off. Then switch on once it is plugged in and not before :-) Make sure there are no sparking sounds, and avoid using an extension if you can (plugging directly into a socket is always best).

[@adrianveradriano3485]

whenever i plug my anker pd 18w it always spark pls let me know if it will hurt my device or it is normal.. tia

[@gingerelectrician]

Easiest way to proceed is to plug in while the switch is off, then switch on. That way you'll get no sparking. The sparking only occurs when connecting with load (i.e. when switched on)

[@donmor8029]

If the flat part is abit dark like black residue can u scrape it n use it again or never again

[@RealSimonBarker]

Cleaning does not always fix the issue, sometimes replacement is better, especially if it is the socket rather than the plug.

[@robertlong5593]

To make sure it works

[@k.g.5221]

My one outlet, for the longest time, makes a small little crackle when I plug something into it. Is that an arc or a dirty wire or just normal.

[@RealSimonBarker]

Make sure the pins on the plug look clean and bright and not faded. If this is the case the try the same appliance on different sockets around the house. If this socket is the only one that sparks (or if it does so more that the others) then it's likely the socket needs changing as it is likely worn. Also if it feel loose when plugging into the socket, that is another indicator that the socket is worn. Simon

[@shmeeGriffy]

My plug when I plug something in as soon as the metal gets close there are huge sparks

[@abhijeetnishad5690]

Upcoming tech master

[@gingerelectrician]

Cool

[@causingsquid4324]

My plug has corroded like very little. It's size is about the size of a pens pin. So what should I do?

[@RealSimonBarker]

Ideally you would replace the plug and possibly the socket too if there is a chance that both are worn. Although I'd also wonder if there was any reason for corrosion, such as damp? If so then that cause would also need to be looked at to prevent it reoccurring in future. Simon

[@RealSimonBarker]

Try putting the switch on the socket to OFF position, then plug in the amp, then switch on at the socket

[@RealSimonBarker]

Yes that;s a good idea

[@Tyranosaurus_Xer]

thank you for trying sir

[@titaniumskeleton2101]

I got a new extension sir and when I plug my charger in it sparks. What should I do now?

[@RealSimonBarker]

A charger will naturally have a small spark when plugging it in, but as long as both the charger and extension socket are in good clean condition then it shouldn't be anything to worry about. HOWEVER if you want to stop the sparking, switch off the extension first, then plus in the charger, then switch the extension back on. Simon

[@titaniumskeleton2101]

@@RealSimonBarker Thanks Simon.

[@mbnblura6679]

Please can you help me I plugged in an old Samsung charger then it burst now all the things that were connected with it burst and now they don’t work what can I do?

[@gingerelectrician]

Sounds like the fuse has gone in the extension lead or the breaker has gone at the Distribution Board maybe

[@zest1160]

Would a socket spark hurt a device or the charger?

[@gingerelectrician]

When a socket sparks, this can create electrical noise. This usually means voltage spikes (either small ones or significant). If larger spikes, then yes those can be damaging. But you can add surge protection and other devices to protect against it. Some equipment may even have a certain amount of built in protection, while others do not.

[@parthivsuresh2423]

bro when i connected a charger it sparks and now the current is not coming from that board , the charger was loose also

[@electricalbusinesscommunity]

Ah ok so it's possible that a fuse, breaker, RCD or even AFDD (Anti Arcing Device) has operated when it was plugged in. This should definately be looked at by a local Electrician to see what has caused that. They will be able to pinpoint it exactly by testing and looking at it safely with the covers off. Please don't do that yourself :-)

[@yellowld9912]

Is this the same for north american sockets?

[@gingerelectrician]

It will apply to any socket where you are physcially plugging in and out. But still the best advice is to check for wear but also switched off before plugging in or reomving.

[@RealSimonBarker]

There are many other things I discuss on social media, so I have included a list of different options so you can choose your *favourite* way to see more: Facebook - facebook.com/ukelectrician Instagram - instagram.com/sbarkerelec/ TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@sbarkeruk Twitter - twitter.com/sbarkeruk Linked In - www.linkedin.com/company/s-barker-electrical-ltd I look forward to seeing you there too Simon

[@ElevatorWasher5000]

Not with us plugs?

[@mawspod]

You didn't mentioned if it was dangerous or not?

[@Mee399]

hi sir,I'm using a Motorola device bought it 10days ago the charger I got with it suddenly while nothing was connected to it sparked out while it was in the socket

[@RealSimonBarker]

Best to switch it off at the socket then insert the power supply, then switch it on. If it still sparks then the power supply or socket (Depending where the sparks come from) will need to be changed most likely. Or get a local electrician to look at it.

[@Mee399]

@@RealSimonBarker I have plugged it in different socket....it hasn't sparked since, should I connect my smartphone

[@RealSimonBarker]

@@Mee399 In that case it may be the socket, but a local electrician would be able to confirm

[@Mee399]

@@RealSimonBarker okay,thank you so much😊👍🏽

[@RealSimonBarker]

@@Mee399 Not a problem

[@rinaa2084]

I'm scared of plugging in appliances, don't like seeing and hearing electrical spark

[@RealSimonBarker]

Just switch off at the socket, then plug it in, then switch on a the socket. You won't see sparking then 🙂 Simon

[@0cards0]

I scratched my plug, is it fine to use it?

[@RealSimonBarker]

If it's a light scratch you should be ok. But if cracked, damaged or worn in any way then probably not.

[@0cards0]

@@RealSimonBarker Its like a lot of light scratches )

[@probinsyanotv7242]

Hello sir i came here for a issue at 6pm night i was putting the plug from my laptop on the socket and it got sparks all over it so i quickly disconnected it So what will i do I kinda scared leaving my 789 subs channel on my laptop so how do i fix it?

[@Recmunk7777]

Sparking when plugged in is very common in switching power supplies, because the mains smoothing capacitor is drawing for a very short time (>0,5 seconds) an extreme high current (>70 amps), because it can be charged and discharged very fast. This is called inrush current. It’s also common in electric motors and mains transformers.

[@RealSimonBarker]

Absolutely. :-) Didn’t want to confuse by going too deep on this post. But yes that’s absolutely true

[@user-gg9is1fq6h]

Even my smartphone charger sparks when i plug it into the outlet. So i just use an extension cord with switch on it.

[@vladimiripotzky5392]

Thats why I dont remove my tv sockets. Its always plugged in.

[@ballmajormusic]

Is it dangerous?

[@RealSimonBarker]

If it’s just from not switching off when inserting the plug then often now dangerous. But if it’s from loose connections then it may be the start of wear leading to overheating which ultimately leads to a fire hazard (over time). But by checking to make sure connections are not loose or worn then you can prevent this

[@snusmumriken232]

Sometimes my plugs spark but I rent and my landlord won’t change them and also I don’t want to change them myself due to the liability. So I’m living with plugs that spark.

[@RealSimonBarker]

At the mercy of the landlord 😞

[@t-90islife95]

I have a Rights phone my 65w charger sparks when I plug it in the wall it scares me I thought Dr strange is in my wall lol

[@electricalbusinesscommunity]

lol as mentioned in other replies, if you want to prevent the sparking when you plug in, first switch off at the socket, then plug in the charger, then switch it on at the socket. Also just keep making sure all is on good, clean condition. :-)

[@kinleyirish8020]

Wait so is it dangerous or not

[@RealSimonBarker]

It's something that you need to be aware of to make a decision if you need to replace something that is wearing or burning out. So if it gets into a bad state and is left unchecked, then yes, it can become dangerous at that point. But checking regularly will hopefully prevent any issues if any are lurking. You can also get your items checked with PAT Testing or your house/office wiring checked with an EICR, which are mentioned on the services page of my website (Just for information to accompany this reply). www.sbarker.co.uk/

[@jennarutledge1600]

Just now I unplugged my ps4 from a extension cord and when ever I try to plug it in it sparks (yes I am a kid and I got scared)

[@gingerelectrician]

Hi Jenna, it's likely quite normal as your PS4 when switched on draws a certain amount of power, and so unplugging while it is still on will cause sparking (It might even use standby power when it's off too, I'm not sure as I don't have a games console). But switching off your extension before plugging in and removing will stop this from happening. Also check that the plug and extension are not worn (the metal is still "shiny", not dull) and that the connection feels tight rather than loose. Simon

[@jennarutledge1600]

@@gingerelectrician okay thank you

[@xiomaraezagui6395]

I use an extension cord to charge my phone, I just plugged it in and some sparks came off it. I got scared too, but it doesn’t spark every time I plug it in… sooo idk :3

[@sync-dem2052]

I plugged the cable into the wall and I saw a blue spark

[@gingerelectrician]

Yes that can happen with higher loads (powerful equipment) but it happens more if the plug or socket (or both) are becoming more worn. Was it loose or tight when you put the plug into the socket?

[@madyottoyotto3055]

They dont We plug it in and then switch it on

[@nadialafhel3315]

¹⅔⁴⅝⁰īč⁶⁶⁵6⁶⁶⁶¾dğ

[@buddysteve5543]

It has NOTHING to do with what you described! It has to do with your transformer that is likely connected on the other side of your AC plug. It has to do with ELECTROMAGNETISM and what happens when your transformer is first powered on. Your transformer in your device acts as a short circuit for mear milliseconds which causes that spark! The current is so high that it causes a spark when it gets very close to the powered lines. Kinda of like when you get shocked by touching a doorknob or your car during very dry days. That transformer will start acting like a resistor after current rushes thru it for a few milliseconds and then it becomes resistance to change when your AC fluctuates in voltage from positive 60 volts to negative 60 volts at 60 times per second. With how electromagnetism works, it tries to prevent voltage from hanging which creates the resistance and as such, prevents a short circuit in your connection.

[@dockilat8722]

No way, i have a new ref and a new receptacle and it still sparks. find a better explanation

[@RealSimonBarker]

Better to switch off first, then plug in, then switch on. It’s when you plug in and the switch is on that sparks happen (which is normal as per the video).

[@llama1917]

I cannot understand this guy sorry

[@Deceptin]

Theres literally subtitles for a reason

[@llama1917]

@@Deceptin subtitles are great for other languages. But it's virtually impossible to tune out and stop my brain trying to hear. Likewise, research has shown that hearing one person on the phone is distracting because your brain tries to figure out the other half of the conversation. Two peoe talking nearby is less of a problem.