Lightning on power outlet when plugging in Mac

[Silly John Fatty]

So I have this multiple power socket plugged to the wall, and have my Mac and my Studio Display plugged into that. The socket can handle 3500 W I think, and apart from the Mac and Display I only have a couple of lamps plugged into it, so it's definitely not over the amount it can handle I'd say.

I noticed when I would plug my Studio Display or my Mac mini (it's a 2023 model) into the socket, that there would be a short lightning.

Is this normal? Am I doing any damage to my devices here?

I've ordered a new socket with surge protection, because I don't know if this one has some, so maybe that will change something?

 

[arw]

Yes, these sparks are normal/common for electronic devices or power supplies with capacitors above a certain threshold.
When plugged in, to initially "load" the capacitor, a high current flow occurs for a very short time which results in said arc. Unavoidable by design unless additional (expensive) circuitry is added.
And although scary and even discoloring/ light burning can occur on the contacts, it is harmless and not to be compared to high-voltage lightning.

(I'm no electrician but that's what I remember from physics class.)

EDIT: You'll find a lot more info if you search for "spark".

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/sparks-and-burn-marks-on-new-16-140w-charger.2322401/

 

[Silly John Fatty]

Yes, these sparks are normal/common for electronic devices or power supplies with capacitors above a certain threshold.
When plugged in, to initially "load" the capacitor, a high current flow occurs for a very short time which results in said arc. Unavoidable by design unless additional (expensive) circuitry is added.
And although scary and even discoloring/ light burning can occur on the contacts, it is harmless and not to be compared to high-voltage lightning.

(I'm no electrician but that's what I remember from physics class.)

EDIT: You'll find a lot more info if you search for "spark".

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/sparks-and-burn-marks-on-new-16-140w-charger.2322401/

Thanks, now I can sleep in peace. Curious to see if the new power outlet does this as well, as it wasn't that cheap and maybe it has that additional circuitry.

 

[arw]

Thanks, now I can sleep in peace. Curious to see if the new power outlet does this as well, as it wasn't that cheap and maybe it has that additional circuitry.

Very likely. I meant the powered device needs circuitry to limit the current it draws when plugged into the socket.
As "negative" example I can name the 60W GaN Anker Atom III which sounds like a firecracker…
But all of the three I own behave like that and the contacts look pristine.

 

[Silly John Fatty]

Very likely. I meant the powered device needs circuitry to limit the current it draws when plugged into the socket.
As "negative" example I can name the 60W GaN Anker Atom III which sounds like a firecracker…
But all of the three I own behave like that and the contacts look pristine.

Oh, alright, then nothing to worry about I guess. The firecracker sounds would definitely drive me nuts though, lol.