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If you are plugging/unplugging under load it means that there is some abrupt energy change causing a spark. Inductors (motors) try to prevent changes in current. So if you unplug one while on it will spark. Capacitors try to prevent changes in voltage. So if you plug something in with a switchmode supply, it will spark as the input capacitors try to quickly charge. If the outlet is sparking when the appliance is off, or when the plug is not being handled, then you have a fire hazard. Cut power to that circuit at the breaker. Replace the outlet or call an electrician.
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoBecause of electronic discharge in gas... when the plug is pulled to far, the electrons don't tend to travel too long in air, under atmospheric pressure. But until a short distance after removal of the plug, the electrons overcome the resistance in air and travel to the plug, so the spark (analogous to cathode ray tube). The intensity of spark depends on the voltage at the terminal.
Wiki User
∙ 6y agoAnytime an electrical circuit is completed or broken, if the voltage across the circuit is high enough, either a spark or arc will jump the remaining gap between the contacts. If it is just a spark it is simply electrical breakdown of the dielectric of the air between the contacts, in most cases normal airflow will restore the dielectric causing the spark to go out. If it is an arc then the air between the contacts has ionized, this can be very dangerous as the ionized air can still conduct with the contacts far apart and can badly burn the contacts and even ignite nearby materials.
Normal household AC voltage (e.g. 120 VAC in the US, 240 VAC in much of the rest of the world) is high enough to do this very easily. Lower voltages (e.g. 12 V, 24 V) are generally too low to do this, but if the circuit powered by such low voltage contains significant inductance the "kick back" of the inductance when the circuit is broken can easily be tens of thousands of volts and can generate very dramatic sparks and arcs.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoIt generally means that you should turn that circuit off at the breaker panel until the electrical outlet can be replaced.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoreceptacles are worn out
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Should an all-in-one scanner be plugged into the wall outlet?
No reason not to as long as the wall outlet is the correct voltage. most are designed to be plugged into a 110v outlet.
How is there electricity and magnetism in a computer?
It is plugged into a wall outlet.
Can an apartment size stove be pluged into any outlet?
Can an apt. stove be plugged into a outlet
How do you dedicate a wall outlet?
A dedicated wall outlet is the only one on the circuit.
Does a hissing sound coming from the wall where a space heater is plugged in indicate a problem with the wiring or cause a fire?
It might. Does the sound follow the space heater to a different outlet? If you place your head between the space heater and the outlet, does the hissing sound come from the wall, or from the heater? Sometimes different sounds come from different sides of applicances, and these sounds can reflect off the wall. A standard vacuum cleaner and some electric irons draw about the same current as a space heater. Is the sound present with either of those plugged into the same outlet instead? It might be a snake, saying "thank you" for the warmth.
Should an all-in-one scanner be plugged into the wall outlet?
No reason not to as long as the wall outlet is the correct voltage. most are designed to be plugged into a 110v outlet.
How is there electricity and magnetism in a computer?
It is plugged into a wall outlet.
Will a laptop start with a dead battery?
Not unless it is plugged into a wall outlet.
What is kalodiophobia?
A fear of wires, plugs or anything that can be plugged into a wall or outlet.
Does a fully charged phone use power from wall outlet?
If it is plugged in yes.
Can your laptop operate without the battery and instead with just the power cord plugged into the wall outlet?
yes
What if your TV is not working you have put TV but nothing is happening what should you do?
First, check if it is plugged into the wall outlet.
How do you charge your psp go when it's dead using your ps3?
You don't. Sorry, it'll have to be plugged into a wall outlet.
Can a phone system be plugged into same wall outlet as ups?
If your phone system is a PBX then yes you can plug it on the same outlet where a UPS is plugged. You can even plug your PBX system to the UPS so when there's a power failure you can still have few minutes source to power your phone system.
Can 12 volt only powered subwoofer for car be plugged into 120 volt wall outlet?
NOCan however be powered by a 120/ to 12 volt DC power supply plugged into wall socket. (Ensure the power supply has sufficient current rating to run the subwoofer)
Is it a fire hazard when the wall outlet that has an electric heater plugged into it is hot?
Yes and Very Possible! Bad connections cause heat so the outlet may be defectice. The outlet or the supply line may also not be rated to supply the current (amperage) required by the heater.
Is it bad to use a computer when it is lightning If so what happens?
Using a computer when it's stormy outside is not the wisest time to use it while it's plugged into a wall outlet. If you operate off of a laptop, it's still fine to use it while it's not plugged in. The main reason is if a surge hits your residence, it could possibly surge/fry any electronics plugged into your power outlet.
