Three Reasons Why Your Sockets Are Sparking
One of the biggest problems that homeowners have is that they only think about repairing or maintaining their electrical outlets when there is a major problem with their system. Most new homes have their wiring done correctly, and it usually takes some time before the wiring gets old and electrical problems to start appearing. However, regardless of the starting quality of the electrical system, there will always be a chance that part of the system will fall apart. One common indicator of problems with house wiring is sparking. Here are three common reasons why sockets spark and how to fix the problem.
When There Is Short-Circuiting
One of the common reasons why sockets will spark is when there is a short-circuit somewhere in the system. A short-circuit occurs when the current does not follow the route it should to complete a circuit, and instead creates a type of shortcut or grounds itself. If this is happening in the wiring that makes the socket, there will be sparks when you try to a plug in or remove an appliance.
When There Is Water Damage
Another common reason why your sockets will start sparking is water damage. This can happen when there is both covert and overt water damage. Covert damage happens when there is a leaking plumbing pipe inside the wall and it hasn't been detected. This could create years of water damage, eating into the electrical wiring insulation and exposing the home to electrical damage. Overt damage is when a flood occurs and the electrical wiring is exposed to water. Remember, water is a good conductor, and any time that electrical current comes into contact with it, the current will flow.
Aged Wiring and Equipment
Another reason why your sockets could be sparking is when you either have old and worn out wiring, which is common in older houses, or when your electrical appliances are outdated. With time, wiring wears down and connections become loose, making the system more susceptible to short-circuits and sparking.
Most people think that problems with their sockets are easy to fix. However, it is advisable to have a professional inspect wiring and get to the cause of a problem such as sparking. Sparking is a serious issue because it can lead to an electrical fire at any given time. Therefore, have a technician who performs domestic electrical repairs handle your maintenance and repair, as this is the best way to keep your house secure.
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