Loose Outlet Cover Plates Can Cause Sparks
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Is it safe to turn on a circuit breaker after I noticed sparks? How to Prevent Sparks from Electric Outlet Covers, Loose Metal Cover Plates Can Cause Sparks. © By: Dave Rongey |
Prevent Sparks By Securing Outlet Cover Plates
Electrical Question: Is it safe to turn on a circuit breaker after I noticed sparks?
- I was cleaning behind the electric clothes dryer and I noticed the metal face plate was loose.
- I bumped the face plate and it fell on the dryer plug which was not completely plugged in.
- This caused a spark. I turned off breaker and unplugged dryer.
- There is some black soot on plug.
- Is it safe to plug dryer back in and turn on breaker to see if it works? I plan to find screws to attach face plate before I do this.
This electrical repair question came from: Debra, a Homeowner from Flint, Texas.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical troubleshooting and repair question Debra.
How to Prevent Sparks from Electric Outlet Covers
Application: Installing an Electric Outlet Cover.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with outlet wiring.
Loose Metal Cover Plates Can Cause Sparks
- I’ve had the same thing happen to me where my tape measure slipped down a wall and shorted across a plug that was not plugged in all the way into the outlet.
- The black soot is from the arcing that occurred when the cover shorted across the prongs of the dryer plug, so just clean the soot up with a dry paper towel.
- It’s important to securely fasten the cover plate over the dryer outlet, then once all the metal parts are clear and the dryer is plugged all the way in then the circuit breaker can be turned back on.
- Because the circuit breaker tripped off, you will most likely have to push the handle all the way into the off position to reset the breaker, then just push it back into the on position.
More about the Dryer Outlet and Electrical Circuit
How to Install Electrical Outlets
Wiring Electrical Outlets
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Wiring Electrical Outlets with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
Home Circuit Breakers
How to Wire a Dryer and Cord
Wiring a Dryer
See an electric dryer installation with a typical 220 Volt electric power cord wiring system. You may find yourself with either a 3-wire or 4-wire electric dryer, or a 3-wire or 4-wire outlet. Lets look a how the electric dryer is wired and what to do if your cord does not match the plug.
For more information about Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
Home Electrical Safety
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Hi Wayne, Great Question.
NOTE: From what you have described, this condition could be a potential shock hazard, therefore the circuit should be turned off until the fault has been identified and repaired by a Qualified Electrician.
The circuit should be checked to make sure the polarity is correct and the circuit is wired correctly.
If the circuit is found to be correct then the circuit should be turned off and the wiring should be inspected at each receptacle outlet. A visual inspection should look for outlet side terminals that may be making contact with the outlet box or portions of the wiring that may have exposed bare wire that is making contact with the outlet box or the outlet mounting bracket.
Be Safe,
Dave
I’m replacing plastic outlet covers with metal covers. For some reason, I’m getting an electric arch with the metal plates. What do I need to do to prevent this, other than staying with the plastic covers?
Hi Nicola,
It is important to make sure the cover plate is in place and firmly secured. From what you have described, the popping of the plug being removed will not start a fire. If the cover plate is metal then the popping sound may have been caused when the prongs of the plug shorted across with the metal cover plate. A direct short such as this can cause the circuit breaker to trip off, therefore the circuit breaker would need to be located in the panel, and reset to restore the power to the circuit.
I hope this helps,
Dave
The cover plate on my outlet is loose and made a popping sound when I pulled out a plug. Can it start a fire if there is nothing plugged in until I can repair it?
Bobbi Jo
If a cover plate is in place it will surely prevent electric shock or possible damage to the dryer and circuit.
A cover plate may be purchased from most hardware stores.
Dave
What if there is no faceplate on the plug for the dryer, can it cause damage to my dryer or shock me when I plug it in?