The Cause of an Electric Spark
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What Causes an Electric Spark: An Explanation of Electrical Sparks and Electric Current Flow. © By: Dave Rongey |
Why an Electrical Spark May Be Seen or Heard
Electrical Question: What causes an electrical spark when the power was turned off?
- The power had been turned off so we could change an electrical outlet from an old fashioned outlet to a modern one.
- There was a big spark when the electricity was turned on the first time after the work was completed.
- After that everything was OK.
Thank you.
This electrical wiring question came from Eva, in Toronto, Canada.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Eva.
What Causes an Electric Spark?
Electrical Sparks and Electric Current Flow Explained
- The Flow of Electricity and Electrical Current Load
- Electricity is generated at various power stations and then sent through transmission lines which provide electrical power to our homes and businesses.
- Our home electrical panel supplies power through electrical wiring which begins the path which allows the flow of electrical power through each circuit.
- The flow of electricity is referred to as the Load, which describes the amount of electricity that is flowing through the circuit.
- The amount of electrical flow is measured in watts and amperes, also know as amps.
- A Spark When Power is Turned On or Turned Off
- When a device or equipment is connected to an electrical circuit and is in the ON position there is an electrical Load that is being produced which causes the flow of electricity.
- When the flow of electricity is started or stopped it can produce a spark of electricity between two components which provide the connection of electricity.
- Common components that provide electricity where a spark may be produced are circuit breakers, switches, outlets and cord plugs, or any two components which complete the circuit and provide the flow of electricity.
- It is always best to reduce or eliminate the electrical load before turning a circuit on or off which therefore reduces the occurrence of an electric spark which can over time cause deterioration between the points of contact, which can then produce a failure of the connection.
- This is why we have to replace a bad switch or receptacle outlet where the contacts wear out due to this electrical spark, which is also known as arcing.
- The Higher the Electrical Load the Bigger the Spark
- The size of an electrical spark that is produced when a device turned on or off will depend on the amount of electricity that will be required by the device.
- A switch that turns on a light fixture with a standard 60 watt light bulb will produce a smaller spark than an 1800 watt electric skillet that is plugged in while the control is in the on position.
Resources to Learn More about Home Electrical Wiring
Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Grounding Electrical Outlets in a Garage |
Wire Connections for a Kitchen Range |
