Socket sparks: That's why there is lightning on sockets

Every now and then it happens that it works when you insert a plug into the socket. Flashing that is not dangerous for you is caused by voltage condensation on power supplies. We will explain how the flash comes about.

Lightning on the socket: tensions

• Electric current is generated in power plants. There electromagnets turn past coils. As a rule, there are three coils - there are three alternating currents.
• The three alternating currents are routed to the consumer via a distribution network, where they are evenly distributed across the various circuits (basement, kitchen, bathroom, etc.).
• The mains voltage is 230 volts. So there is a voltage of 230 volts at each socket and each light switch.
• Normal light bulbs and simple electrical devices use this voltage unchanged. Modern TVs, computers or similar devices divide the voltages according to your needs. A laptop power supply, for example, uses 20 volts.
• This is done using very fast switching transistors. The high switching speeds create harmonics that act like interference signals for other devices in the circuit.

How does the spark come from the socket?

• The harmonics must be filtered out of the circuit so that they do not add up. This is done using capacitors.
• Such a capacitor charges up and passes on the required operating current of the device. The harmonics are "filtered out".
• If a power supply is plugged into the socket, the capacitor is charged first. A very large current flows briefly between the plug contacts and the socket.
• The consequence of the large current flow is the visible flash, a so-called arc.
• The air is briefly a plasma in which charge carriers move and glow freely.

Are the sparks dangerous?

• The flash occurs when plugging in power supplies with capacitors, the socket is not crucial. So there is no reason to replace a multiple socket when it is flashing.
• Even if you are often frightened when it flashes when you plug it in, the arc is not dangerous when you plug it in normally. However, you should not deliberately reach into the arc.
• If you lay it on it, you can get a slight electric shock and possibly get a slight burn.

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In the next article we will explain how you can protect your PC during a thunderstorm.