Satellite Pro L300: Does your AC adapter also do this?

Question

When I attach my laptop to an AC (alternating current) outlet I do this, per Toshiba manual:
1. connect adapter to the laptop
2. plug the adapter AC cable into an outlet
The AC plug is in my hand and when I insert it into the outlet a spark is generated and an audible snapping sound.
Is this normal?

Answer 1

Hi Jimi
The cables appear to be fine, there are no bends or cuts or damage to the insulation that I can find. In fact the laptop works fine with the adapter, and it also charges the battery properly.
The snap sound is due to the spark, I suppose it is a bit like what happens during a storm - first there is lightning (which in my case is the spark) and then thunder (the snapping sound I hear).
I now see that the 'snap' is just a consequence of the spark, and isn't coming from the adapter nor the laptop. What is occuring is that the spark happens the instant before the adapter's AC plug's prongs make contact with the electrical outlet and when they are within a millimeter or so distance from each other. The adaptor itself is not sparking, nor the laptop.
I've googled these symptons and it appears that many laptop owners have seen the same thing ie, sparks jumping between the prongs of the AC plug and the wall outlet. One explanation I found is this:
"Most of these power supplies are called 'switching' supplies. They basically apply line voltage to the output and switch it off very quickly when the desired voltage is reached. This type of operation tends to distort the waveform of the incoming line. (Harmonics).
To minimize this effect, a capacitor is placed across the input. When initially energized (plugged in) a capacitor is basically a dead short. This causes a huge inrush of current for a VERY short time. Thus the spark. "
Some people recommend plugging the adapter into the wall outlet BEFORE connecting the laptop. They think that removing the load (ie the laptop) from the adapter reduces the inrush current. They also think this protects the laptop from any power surges caused by these inrush currents.
Regards