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Electrical Wire and Cable


The Cause of an Electric Spark


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



Home Electrical Wiring Video

Hooking Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
for Backup Power

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
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Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Why an Electrical Spark May Be Seen or Heard
Electrical Question: What causes an electrical spark when the power was turned off?

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

Resources to Learn More about Home Electrical Wiring

Electrical Outlet Wiring
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.
  electrical wiring  

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:
« Previous Next »
Grounding Electrical Outlets in a Garage Wire Connections for a Kitchen Range


FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

3 Responses to “The Cause of an Electric Spark”
  1. Donna Brua says:

    We were hanging a TV on the den wall. The stud finder said we were on a stud but when we drilled, there wasn’t a stud and the drill created an electrical spark when it went into the wall. It is not directly above or below an outlet or switch. Could there be a fire danger? What should we do to ensure everything is safe?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Donna,
    From what you have described the drill may have damaged an electrical cable inside the wall. There is a good possibility that there may be a tripped circuit breaker or other electrical devices that may have been affected. In a situation like this it is always good to open up a section of the drywall so the cable can be inspected. Since the TV will be mounted on the wall then hopefully the opening of the drywall will be located right behind the TV. Nevertheless there should be room enough to see what has happened to the cable.
    Typically when an electrical cable has been damaged inside a wall the circuit is turned off, and a junction box is installed where the cable is damaged and a inline splice is installed for each wire. Other alternatives are to replace one section, or the entire cable run from the preceding junction box to the following. Keep in mind that spliced electrical wires must be enclosed inside a junction box and the junction box must be accessible. This may possibly create an ideal location for an outlet for the wall mounted TV if the cable is being used for an outlet circuit.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  3. Donna Brua says:

    Thanks. Very helpful.