Ozone being generated by spotty and arcing electrical connections?
this post was submitted on 18 Apr 2026
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It's not perfectly symmetrical around the socket, kinda makes me think of someone spreading wall patching/repair material and/or paint, so maybe the mold didn't like a different material that was made to look the same around the socket?
More like anti-fungal effects but still interesting.
Or the socket faulty wirings heat the wall and make it less mold friendly.
Or a loose connection is arcing slightly and producing ozone gas
No. It's absolutely the next penicillin
"Got a runny nose or fever? Just lick this electrical socket!"
The 1800's called, they want their medicine back
I mean, very few people would report symptoms of a runny nose or a fever after licking the socket...
Ackshually there ist a 2/3 chance you will end up fine ⚡️
Some "just stop testing" logic!
You should start licking batteries, to build resistence.
I just like the color electricity tastes
You can't eat at this restaurant unless you have your electric socket licking passport
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The nearly perfectly symmetrical shape makes me think its due to the electromagnetic fields when current is passing through the socket to whatever is plugged in, but I have no idea why such a small amount would have such a dramatic effect on the mold.
I was thinking it might just be heat from the wiring or plugged in devices keeping it too dry for the mold.
It could also be that they needed to mud/tape around the opening for the plug in the drywall/plaster and it changed the consistency/chemical makeup just enough to not be as friendly to the growth of mold (less moisture/denser etc)
Heat spread is symmetric if the material is lol
Which it is...? It's symmetric to two outlets next to each other giving heat, which is the case. And reality is never perfect, it wouldn't be an absolutely perfect pill shape for so many reasons.
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Mould deflection is one of the lesser known type-G plug and socket safety features.
Another feather in the cap for the UK plug socket
Wait, people like the UK socket?
Maybe, it's the plaster holding in the wall box...
Yeah, I think this is a lot more plausible than the wall heating theory that someone further up got way more upvotes for.
Most likely.
The box tends to sit slightly proud of the wall. When they plaster it in (particularly retroactively) they need to build up the plaster around the socket.
Thicker plaster means more insulation, and less condensation. Less condensation, less mold.
The ring around the socket also supports this. The edge where the new plaster gives way to the old. That point tends to be rougher, and so more prone to capturing mold.
It could also be thicker paint causing the same effect. Most people do the wall with rollers, but sockets with a brush, leading to a thicker coat.
Also in some countries plaster comes with antifungal substances mixed in by default.
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Maybe it's a fairy ring https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_ring
Fairy ring?
Damn, that's beautiful. In German they're called a witch Ring
TIL that it is not just something in RuneScape
Stick conductive metal in the outlet and you will be transported to the fey realm.
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Also, black mold spores cause lung conditions.
Thousands of species of mold appear black (actually dark green). The one that is usually singled out in this made up category is Stachybotrys chartarum. The whole “black mold” thing is the result of several irresponsible people who are drumming up fears about mold and then profiting off of those fears. Don’t believe the hype.
The color of a mold has no correlation to how dangerous it may be. This is frequently stated by agencies throughout the world including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There is no evidence that otherwise healthy individuals have any reason to fear getting sick from general mold growth in buildings, mold inhalation, or any other type of exposure even to the so-called toxic molds. Yes, being around mold may cause minor effects like a stuffy nose or coughing for some, especially those with asthma or mold allergies. Typically, it only seriously affects patients who have underlying health conditions such compromised immune systems who are at risk of systemic fungal infections. But unless you’re in one of those rare categories, you really don’t have much to fear about exposure to any mold species.
That said, we should not have mold growing in our buildings. It is an indication of something wrong and will lead to the degradation of building materials. Regardless of color, all visible mold should be removed from buildings and homes.
Right, even if doesn't break your lungs, it breaks the wall.
I originally studied environmental microbiology, can confirm.
Not all black colored mold is that kind of black mold.
Well it looks like somebody tried to harness it using 2 forks.
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