electricians: what makes outlets "pop" ?

[rnch]

i have a couple of wall outlets that make a slight "popping" or "clicking" sound when i insert a plug into the socket......never trips the circuit breaker, doesn't seem to damage the appliance.....what's making this sound?

 

[bignate73]

electricity arcing to the plug. i usually bend the prongs a bit so it make firm connection. also, make sure the thing is off before you plug it in.

 

[hotzie]

its just the current jumping from the recepticle to whatever you plug in

 

[Mr. dB]

Arcing occurs if the device you are plugging in is drawing current.

 

[Goldprospector]

"Arch Flash" is the terminology for the popping noise