Why Are My Electrical Outlets Sparking?
Should you be concerned if your electrical outlets spark?
What should you do if your electrical outlet sparks when you plug in a device? The problem's severity depends on the spark's colors and frequency. For example, tiny blue sparks are normal and are typically not even visible to the naked eye. The live wires in your electrical outlet are just trying to connect with the device to give it electricity.
However, yellow sparks indicate a deeper, more dangerous problem with your electrical wiring, and you need to contact an electrician immediately.
We’ll explain how to tell if your electrical outlets are dangerous and what you can do while waiting for an electrician to arrive.
Get Reliable Electrical Outlet Repairs in Des Moines Metro, IA
Golden Rule Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical provides same-day electrical outlet repairs to the Des Moines Metro area. We have the fastest service response and more trucks on the road than anyone else. Whether you need an outlet repair or replacement, we’re ready to provide you with high-quality electrical service until 7pm Monday through Friday.
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Signs of Dangerous Electrical Outlet Sparks
You can tell if electrical outlet sparks are dangerous if they are intensely yellow and last for more than a few seconds. You might also notice that they:
- Produce a burning or smoky odor
- Cause burn marks on the outlet
- Occur no matter what device you plug in
Spot any of these signs? Contact an electrician immediately to minimize the risk of an electrical fire. With over 51,000 fires happening in homes yearly because of electrical issues, it’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with a potentially dangerous outlet.
Causes of Dangerous Electrical Outlet Sparks
Electrical sparks from an outlet with scorch marks on it are dangerous.
The three main causes of dangerous electrical outlet sparks include the following:
- An electrical surge melts a wire’s coating: Electrical surges can melt the coatings off your outlet’s wires, which are conduits for electricity and heat. Exposed wiring causes the outlet to short-circuit and become a fire hazard.
- Water damages the outlet: Avoid plugging appliances or devices into wet kitchen or bathroom outlets. Also, check that the device’s plug isn’t wet. Water immediately damages electrical outlets. Wait for the outlet to dry and call an electrician to inspect the problem.
- Normal usage wears out the outlet: Over time, normal wear-and-tear can cause loose wiring, broken electrical wire casings, and damaged outlets. All of which can lead to sparks. An electrician can update your wiring or outlet covers.
No matter which of these causes you suspect is behind your outlet sparks, contact a professional electrician to diagnose the problem. A thorough inspection and repair can prevent electrocution and electrical fires.
What You Should Do While Waiting for an Electrician
Shut off your circuit breaker if you notice dangerous electrical sparks from your outlet.
An experienced and trained electrician should be diagnosing and completing all electrical repairs for safety repairs. However, you can help prevent additional damage while waiting for an electrician arrives with these actions:
- Shut off the circuit breaker: Each room has a circuit breaker switch. Shut off the power to the room the outlet is in.
- Use a multimeter to check that the power is turned off: The tool measures electrical values and will alert you of any electrical current moving through the outlet. Make sure this value is at zero.
- Take photos of the damaged outlet: You may be able to use photos for a homeowner’s insurance claim. Also, photos on hand will help you select a new outlet with the same voltage when you purchase a new replacement outlet.
How To Prevent Future Dangerous Electrical Outlet Sparks
GFCI outlets can help prevent dangerous electrical sparks.
You can prevent dangerous electrical outlet sparks with these simple solutions:
- Install Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets: GFCI outlets will instantly shut off electrical power if they sense a wet device plug or outlet.
- Install a surge protector: Surge protectors divert extra voltage caused by electrical surges away from your electrical outlets and appliances, reducing potential damage and fires.
- Remove old charging cords: No matter the device, any chargers with frayed or uninsulated cords can cause potential electrical problems. Properly dispose of them and replace the cords.
- Update frayed or uninsulated electrical wires: Have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring for worn-out sections. Properly insulated wiring protects your outlets and home from damage.
- Do not plug in devices if they’re on: Always turn off devices or appliances before plugging them in.
Contact Golden Rule PHC for 5‑Star Electrical Outlet Repairs.
Contact Golden Rule for an electrical outlet repair.
At Golden Rule Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we strive to provide all our customers with 5-star electrical service and convenient appointments. We train our licensed electricians in-house and back up our work with 1-year labor warranties and 100% satisfaction guarantees.
We have same-day appointments until 7pm from Monday through Friday, and we complete 99% of our repairs in one day.
Call us today at (515) 393-4526 or schedule below to experience why Des Moines Metro homeowners trust us to service their electrical outlets!