Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
My power outlet just made a popping noise, I'm guessing it's not safe to use?
I plugged in my hairdryer to my outlet adapter which gives me 6 instead of 2 outlets (it's not quite a power strip or surge protector). The moment I plugged it in there was a spark, a pop, and the smell of electrical smoke. I unplugged the hairdryer, and the adapter. The hair dryer has a chip in one of the prongs now (I don't believe it was there before) and both prongs are black. I didn't trip the breaker, so what exactly happened? and is the outlet or adapter safe to use?
There's no black or smoke on the outlet, or adapter, but I will throw it out regardless.
I have to say, the dryer is most likely not going to be used again... like I said, one of the prongs is chipped, I'd rather be safe and get a new hair dryer, besides the old one was like $5 at Walmart, no loss.
4 Answers
- 9 years agoFavorite Answer
Elizabeth is right on the money in suggesting a new GFCI. Most people use their hair dryers in the bathroom and I'm guessing that's where the outlet is?? By electrical code, if it's within six feet of a sink, bathtub, or toilet, the outlet should be GFCI protected. Get rid of the six-way, those things are junk and just make it easier to overload a circuit. The popping you heard was likely an internal short circuit in the adapter making it unsafe to use. A GFCI is an outlet intended to prevent you from electrical shock and they are well worth the $15 it costs to get one at Home Depot. I recommend hiring an electrician to wire it though, as they are not as straightforward as they look and the wire terminals (line and load) can be a bit decieveing if you are not sure what you're doing. Luck thing is though, it's not a big job and you shouldn't have to pay any more than $50 to $75 to get it done right. Good luck and God Bless!!
Source(s): Master Electrician- 16 years experience - Liz HLv 79 years ago
You did the right thing by unplugging everything.
The outlet may need to be replaced. If their isn't a GFI outlet on the circuit, one should be installed. Outlets have a limited life span, heavily used ones expire first.
If the grounded plug on the dryer is damaged, the dryer should be replaced also.
Some appliances draw a lot of power. It is not a good idea to use a multi plug adapter in a bathroom for this reason. Hair dryers, ovens and microwave ovens, clothes irons are a few.
Modern building codes require heavy-draw appliances like ovens to have their own circuit to prevent shorting out.
Woman to woman...
Call it a girl thing, but I love my dryer in the morning. Part of the ritual. Give yours it's props AND it's own private outlet.
;D
- Anonymous9 years ago
Throw that 6 way adapter out. They're dangerous. The outlet may be ok, do you see any black smoke on it? Try plugging something in making sure you're not barefoot, touching metal, or standing or touching water. Or call an electrician, which is your best bet, but can be expensive, but cheaper that ending up in the hospital, or catching something on fire.
- JoeLv 79 years ago
The failure was almost certainly in the junky octopus adapter.
Most likely, the dryer and the outlet are safe to use. Just to be extra safe, next time you try it, wear rubber soled shoes and make sure everything is dry around you.
