power supply breaking

[caseyf]

so around 3 years ago when i was first learning about computers and i was like 13-14 years old my mom bought me a 600$ for Christmas. i was really excited to plug it in and when i went to plug into the wall from the power supply sparks started flying and when i took it out i found i put the plug into the power supply while the power supply was ON, i was wondering if that was because i plugged it into the wall with the power supply on or was it bad wiring? we got it fixed around a week later and it just needed a new power supply. I've been really curious when i randomly thought back and remembered it. thanks!

[Skiiwee29]

you likely caused an ARC of the electrical current. Inside the plug there is medal that makes contact with the prongs on the PSU. When you are initially plugging it in, you will make contact and break contact a few times during this process. This likely caused an ARC and is what caused the PSU to blow up.