On 2/4/2010 10:22 PM, Eric J Russell wrote:
> block heater. I have noticed that when I unplug the extension cord from the
> block heater in the morning there is a noticeable spark as the connection is
> broken. Is this 'normal'? I haven't noticed sparks when unplugging other items
I'm going way out on the limb with a guess here... since it's been ~ 25
years since I flunked out of EE. But from what I remember, the spark is
related to the collapse of the electric field, and its field energy
being dissipated. An inductive load of even just a coiled up heating
element would have a bigger field than say, a light bulb, and make a
bigger spark when disconnected. Plus there's probably just enough extra
shade under the hood to make it seem brighter.
-Wayne
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