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The plug socket is making a popping/crackling noise. Then it stops and seems as if has gone back to normal. How safe is it?
By Phill
It's a fire waiting to happen. That crackling noise is a type of sparking. It hasn't happened yet but the socket will probably blow and if you are lucky all it will do is burn out the socket. If you're not lucky it could start a fire behind your wall which could do massive amounts of damage.
Not at all safe. You could try turning off the electricity at the breaker box during the day and have a look. Maybe wires are loose or scorched. If loose probably one will be okay and by looking at how it is, fix the other one to look the same using a screw driver or butter knife after twisting any straggling little wires together and putting into loop shape and fastening under the screw that's supposed to be holding them down.
If there is scorching look at wires to see if any are touching and fix as above, or look for signs of mice having gnawed the plastic or rubber coating on the wires. Call landlord or go to hardware store/library and read one of the books telling you how to fix problem.
All else, call electrician, but put cover back on and a big X of tape across so can't be used if you can't fix it right away.
Not safe, ASAP have an experienced Electrician come over to fix it. Tell him/her what sounds you've been hearing.
Years ago, we had this happen in a mobile home we were renting. I heard something along the lines that you heard & immediately called my husband at work, he called an Electrician buddy & they fixed it soon after I called them.
NO! Don't touch it!
If crackling in an outlet mystifies you, then you need to call an electrician or at least a handyman.
Otherwise you are likely to burn down your house and maybe kill somebody. An electrician is a lot cheaper than a mortician.
It is a cheap and fast fix for somebody, who has studied that, and most likely you will just have to pay for the traveling time.
Have FUN!
DearWebby
I spilt Mountain Dew in an electric socket and it started making a crackling sound. I don't know how to fix it.
It is shorted out. Wait until it dries out. If it still doesnt work you will have to replace it.
