What could a small spark when turning on the power switch by the socket mean, in UK?

Question

I am asking.on Yahoo UK about the UK system

Answer 1

means a wire is a bit loose,it will eventually spark and fire smoke unless it is attended to

Answer 2

it means you need a new socket .. 

Answer 3

Normal. Most switches spark due to sudden voltage surging between the contact points when turned on or off. The amount of watts being used in the appliance in the circuit determines how big of a spark is produced. The spark could be more profound when the switch is turned off because of the magnetic field produced in the wiring that collapses when the switch is turned off.  

Answer 4

Dry air. Humidity is very low. Arcing is happening easily. Flick the switch faster.

Answer 5

Funnel and anonymous, why the sarcasm?

U.K. electrical system is different from elsewhere, sparks are not normal.

Answer 6

There's always a moment of arcing as the contacts approach each other, but this is usually so short as to be unnoticeable. If the switch is worn this "moment" can be drawn out a little, so that you notice it.  If it keeps doing this, replace the switch.

Answer 7

The switch is wearing out or one of the wires is loose.  Time to replace it.  This is more of a problem in the UK with older socket ring circuits.

It doesn't matter where you are from, means the same thing.

This is appearing on the Canadian site.

Answer 8

Loose connections or bad switch.

Answer 9

Sparks are different in the UK?

Answer 10

it means it was quite dark when you switched it on.

they have always done it, you just noticed for the first time.