What is what to do when an outlet sparks?

When an outlet sparks, it's crucial to act quickly and safely to prevent fire or electrical shock. Here's what you should do:

Immediately turn off the power: Go to your circuit breaker panel and locate the breaker that controls the affected outlet. Flip the breaker to the "off" position. This is the most important step to interrupt the electrical flow and prevent further sparking or potential hazards. You can read more about the general topic of what is a circuit breaker here.
Do NOT use the outlet: Once the power is off, do not attempt to use the outlet again until it has been inspected and repaired by a qualified electrician.
Unplug everything from the outlet: Remove any devices or appliances that were plugged into the sparking outlet.
Inspect the outlet: Carefully examine the outlet for any visible signs of damage, such as burn marks, melted plastic, or loose wires. Do not touch the outlet with bare hands.
Call a qualified electrician: This is critical. Sparking outlets are a sign of a serious electrical problem that requires professional attention. Do not attempt to repair the outlet yourself unless you are a qualified electrician. An electrician can diagnose the cause of the sparking and make the necessary repairs to ensure your safety.You can find more info about the topic of hiring an electrician here.
If you smell smoke or see flames: If you smell smoke or see flames, evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department.

Possible Causes of a Sparking Outlet:

Loose wiring: Loose connections can cause arcing and sparking.
Overloaded circuit: Plugging too many devices into a single circuit can overload it and cause the outlet to spark. You can learn more about overloaded circuit here.
Damaged outlet: The outlet itself may be damaged or worn out, leading to sparking.
Short circuit: A short circuit occurs when electricity flows along an unintended path, often causing a spark.

Important Safety Tips:

Never ignore a sparking outlet.
Do not attempt to repair electrical problems yourself unless you are a qualified electrician.
Regularly inspect your electrical outlets for signs of damage.
Avoid overloading circuits.
Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas where water is present, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Learn more about the topic of ground fault circuit interrupters.