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It has happened to nearly everyone—you go to plug in a tool or appliance and are greeted by sparks from the outlet. While these short bursts of light don’t always indicate an issue, it’s important to learn why they happen so you can call your electrician when necessary. Consult the following guide to determine if your issue warrants professional electrical service.

Why Is My Outlet Sparking?

Age

As with any other product in your home, your outlets will wear out after years of use. This causes the connections to loosen, which increases the risk of a short circuit or electrical fire. If your home is older and the outlets have not been serviced recently, have your electrical company replace them.

Short Circuit

electriciansSevere sparks from a socket may indicate a short circuit issue. If this is the case, the insulation around the outlet’s wires may have melted, leaving them vulnerable to sparks. Outlets with exposed wires are serious fire hazards that require immediate repair from a professional electrician.

Water Exposure

Even a few water droplets hitting an outlet can cause it to spark and potentially result in a fire. By installing a ground fault circuit interrupter, you can program the outlet to shut down if exposed to water, sidestepping major safety hazards.

Faulty Repairs

Subpar electrical repair is another reason for a sparking outlet. If you notice regular sparking following electrical services, call another company immediately to rectify the issue and keep your home safe.

Normal Sparking

Finally, some outlets simply spark because electricity is hot! The rapid collection of power when you plug in an appliance may cause a brief spark similar to static electricity. If none of the above issues apply to your outlets, you have nothing to worry about.

 

AA Electric, Ltd. has remained a trusted electrical service throughout Honolulu, HI, since 1947. Providing unparalleled residential, commercial, and industrial services, these electricians work on jobs of all sizes while providing telecommunication installations and repairs. Call (808) 841-4131 to schedule a consultation, or visit the website for service information.

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