Flash like lightning from socket... URGENT ADVICE SOUGHT

[oly]

My daughter is in a student house in cardiff and just sent me the following message – what should I advise please?

"Dad when I plug in my laptop charger into the socket there is a big flash of light under the plug like a lightening bolt.... what does that mean??"

 

[333rocky333]

Obviously avoid using it and report it in the morning, they should have there
own maintenance to check it , though if you feel its neccessary they should have 24 hour emergency response.

They will at least check the sockets safe and VISIBLY check the charger and advise her accordingly

Its possibly her charger faulty and there only concerned with there installation, not where you stand if shes plugging in a faulty charger though as its not there property

 

[mfarrow]

It can't hurt to have these things checked out but typically chargers use switch mode power designs which, as designed, will draw a large current on connection and therefore give the symptoms you describe.

Mine's done it loads of times and the end of the pins are highly scorched and pitted. Part of the problem of offices with unswitched sockets!

If an electrician/check can't find anything best advice is plug the charger in and then turn on the socket, not the other way round.

 

[oly]

Thanks guys, really appreciated by me and my daughter.