The Cause of an Electric Spark

What Causes an Electric Spark: An Explanation of Electrical Sparks and Electric Current Flow.

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

Electrical Outlet 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:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

More articles about Electric, Electric Spark and Home Electrical Wiring:
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Grounding Electrical Outlets in a Garage	Wire Connections for a Kitchen Range