You will see it more if there is an appliance attached to the socket that is on -i.e. Will draw current as soon as the switch goes on.
It's the arc created by the switch contacts as they make.
but the amount will vary dependant on the load and the instant in the mains cycle, when the switch is thrown.
A gap of 3 mm is ( almost ) certain to prevent re--striking.
Some switches are made from opaque plastic and the arc cannot be seen, others use semi translucent plastic through which the arc can be seen,
whereas it is quite normal.
It is very normal, they all do it to some degree or other and some are more visible than others. I'm using the Wickes cheapies to replace the MK sockets in my kitchen as they fail. More details available if desired.I bought a bulk supply of double sockets from Wickes some time ago and sometimes when I switch them on/off, I can see a spark behind the switch.
Is this because they are cheap crap or some other reason? Might stick to MK or other brands in future.
It is very normal, they all do it to some degree or other and some are more visible than others. I'm using the Wickes cheapies to replace the MK sockets in my kitchen as they fail. More details available if desired.
I AM REPLACING THE FAILING MK STUFF WITH CHEAPIES and so far I've found them to be more reliable. We refitted the kitchen about 15 years ago and I decided to use decent stuff, MK DSSO's with neon, purchased 10 for the price break for the 7 required. all 3 spares got used up as replacements and now there is only one left in use.You are using cheapies to replace well known MK branded ones?
Or do you mean replacing cheapies with MK ones?
And in my day work I have always found I'm replacing MK sockets far more frequently than all the other makes put together and no one will ever be able to convince me it's purely down to MK having that much of a market hold.I AM REPLACING THE FAILING MK STUFF WITH CHEAPIES and so far I've found them to be more reliable. We refitted the kitchen about 15 years ago and I decided to use decent stuff, MK DSSO's with neon, purchased 10 for the price break for the 7 required. all 3 spares got used up as replacements and now there is only one left in use.
So far I have not had to replace a Wickes cheapie...
I AM REPLACING THE FAILING MK STUFF WITH CHEAPIES and so far I've found them to be more reliable.
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