Sound of 'sparking' coming from a socket

Jenna64

Hi

are there any electricians reading this? I was sat in my living room minding my own business and this loud 'sparking' sound occurred, I couldn't work out where it was coming from, my mobile phone was right near me so I threw it across the room (lol) just in case it was about to explode...

Ok a bit dramatic :eek:

but I didn't think it was the phone, but a nearby socket. I'm not sure though. But it has my phone charger plugged in it and the switch was on. I switched it off and put my ear to it and I could hear a buzzing, electrical sound, but now it's stopped.

Need I worry? I don't want a fire, I tried calling an electrician but it's Saturday, they're all out and I'm in a small town.

Thanks for any advice

Alter_ego

Don't use the socket,unplug the charger, leave the switch off. Call electrician.
Competent DIYer could remove socket check and tighten connections.

Jenna64

Thanks Alter ego, I've no idea how to do that myself, but I will switch off and not use. Do you think it's ok switched off though? Just want to avoid a fire while I'm asleep, because I'd have to get past it to get out.....perhaps I'm being dramatic again, lol, but family are all away

ehlo

Have you tried the phone charger in another socket?

Sometimes these can buzz quite loudly, and this can happen as they age. In some cases the buzzing will continue for a few seconds after switching the plug off.

Rodders53

Jenna64 wrote: »

But it has my phone charger plugged in it and the switch was on. I switched it off and put my ear to it and I could hear a buzzing, electrical sound, but now it's stopped.

I'm inclined to suspect the charger may be faulty internally and making/made the noise ... but can't be sure of course.

Although you switched it off, such devices will carry on working with stored energy for a short while (buzzing heard)...

They draw so little mains current it is unlikely, in my opinion, that it's a wiring fault although a poor socket to plug connection might be present (needing the socket to be replaced).

Unplug the charger for certain, and use an alternative charger if you have one. Examine the charger mains pins for any evidence of burning or blackening due to sparking.

Seek advice from a friend, neighbour or family member who knows more than you about electrics?

Jenna64

Thanks ehlo

Thanks it's fine in a different socket, but I noticed the bits that go in the socket, one of them is kind of 'black-ish' and I think that might have been from the sparking.

Well it's stopped now, I can stop panicking lol

ehlo

Well if there is markings on the plug then there is definitely something wrong! I would speak to a professional ASAP about the socket

Jenna64

Rodders53 wrote: »

Unplug the charger for certain, and use an alternative charger if you have one. Examine the charger mains pins for any evidence of burning or blackening due to sparking.

Seek advice from a friend, neighbour or family member who knows more than you about electrics?

I wish I could, but there's no one around, I'll be able to in a day or two though...

Yes there is a blackening on the pins of the charger, the top pin. Was very loud sound, I didn't know this could happen.

Nick_C

Replacing a socket is extremely easy. Just make absolutely sure the supply to that circuit is turned off.

Jenna64

Just realised it's my mobile phone for definite.

Do I switch it off? Worried about touching it

Jenna64

I dropped it yesterday and there are cracks on the screen...