SHAWANO, WI – The “outlet challenge” is the latest head scratching social media craze.
It involves plugging a USB charger adapter into an outlet with a gap between it and the wall, then dropping a penny between the prongs. Once the penny touches the prongs, it acts as a conductor.
In some cases, it is a spark, but in others, the outcome is much worse. Everything from burning cords, to burned walls and fires.
Shawano Fire Chief Shawn Borlace says there is a danger to life as well.
“You could possibly be electrocuted from 120, that could be fatal.”
He says other things to consider would be significant damage to the building in which it’s attempted, lots of money needed for repair and it can be referred to law enforcement.
“Anytime we have an outlet burn up, we check everything with a thermal image camera and if that is the case, we might possibly have to rip the wall open.”
This is just one of many social media challenges or dares, but Borlace says now is a good time for parents to sit down with their kids and explain the dangers before they try something which can only be described as stupid.
“First try to educate them. I am guessing they don’t realize what could happen when they see it on social media. They don’t understand the ramifications, he said. “One you could get seriously hurt, and if you cause damage, there could be a cost to have somebody come fix that wall.”
Borlace says in some cases, a fire can start inside a wall and may not be detected right away.
