Plug sparks when plugging in? The most likely cause is a loose connection, damaged plug, damaged power cord or damaged electrical outlet. A tiny spark when you plug in an appliance is normal, but an ongoing or large spark is a cause for concern, especially if it is accompanied by a smell. This post will go into several possible causes for why your plug sparks when plugging in.
Plug Sparks When Plugging In? – Reason #1
Loose Connection Inside The Plug
The first possible reason for why the plug sparks when plugging in is a loose connection inside the plug.
The terminals where the wire connects to the plug could be loose. This can happen as a result of wear and tear over time due to plugging and unplugging the plug.
The wires might be stretched from their terminals.
A common sign that this might have happened is the insulation around the wires has pulled out of the plug exposing the three wires. The only way to check if this is the problem is to unscrew the plug, if that is possible.
Plug Sparks When Plugging In? – Reason #2
Wobbly Or Bent Plug Prongs
The next thing to check are the prongs for the plug. Caused by wear and tear, the plug prongs can become bent or wobbly leading to a loose connection when the plug is plugged in. This loose connection will lead to sparking. The best thing to do if you have wobbly or bent prongs is to replace the plug with a new one.
Plug Sparks When Plugging In? – Reason #3
Damaged Lead
The next thing to check is the condition of the lead connected to the plug. Are there any visible nicks or damage? If so, this can be the cause of sparks when the plug is plugged in. If there is a visible nick you will see the colored wires exposed under the insulation. Damaged leads can be replaced or their insulation can be repaired with special rubber tape.
Plug Sparks When Plugging In? – Reason #4
Power Outlet Worn Out
If the lead and plug seems to be okay, then the next possible cause for why the plug sparks when plugging in, is a damaged or worn out power outlet.
Again, power outlets are subject to wear and tear over time. Power outlets can become loose, have damaged or burnt out terminal contacts. When this happens, the plug can’t make adequate electrical contact when you try to plug it in. This leads to sparking.
The solution for this is to replace the power outlet with a new one.
Plug Sparks When Plugging In? – Reason #5
Large Load Appliance
Finally, if you are trying to plug in an appliance that draws a large load and the appliance has the switch turned ‘on’, then it is possible that you can see sparks when you plug it in. This is because the large load is trying to arc when you push the plug in.
An example of an appliance that draws a large load could be a portable heater or something with a motor like a pump for example.
The solution is to ensure that the appliance is turned off before plugging it in.
First plug it in, then switch on the appliance.
Next Steps
Plug sparks when plugging in? In some cases, the problem will be caused by a plug or lead in poor condition. This could be due to a loose connection inside the plug or damaged plug prongs. Perhaps the power cord has damaged insulation with exposed wires.
In each of these cases, you can fix the problem affordably by replacing the plug or repairing the cord.
In other cases, the problem will be caused by a damaged or worn out power outlet. Again, the solution will be to replace the outlet.
Finally, if you are plugging in a high load appliance, such as a heater make sure that the appliance is turned ‘off’ before plugging it in to avoid sparks from occurring.