TikTok's 'Outlet Challenge' Deemed Fire Hazard After Electrical Fires In Massachusetts

Authorities warned Thursday a new challenge making the rounds on TikTok is a potential fire hazard that already has ignited fires in Massachusetts.

The “outlet challenge” involves trying to slide a penny behind a phone charger that is only partially-plugged into a power outlet. However, Massachusetts State Fire Marshall Peter J. Ostroskey warned of the risk it presents from the “sparks, electrical system damage, and in some cases fire” that can start when the copper penny strikes the metal prongs in the outlet.

“This video is a concern and similar to past viral videos that encourage unsafe behavior,” Ostroskey said in an advisory released Tuesday. “You might reach out to local news outlets, school officials, and parent organizations. Alert them to this challenge, advise them to, not only look for signs of fire play like scorched outlets, but to have conversations about fire and electrical safety with tweens and teenagers.”

Ostroskey pointed to two small fires over the last month in Massachusetts that started because of this challenge.

The first was in Holden, and Ostroskey provides a picture of the outlet that ignited from the “prank.” While it was quickly contained, the picture showed the scorch marks of the small electric fire.

The second occurred at Westford High School when the Department of Fire Services was called to investigate a small electric fire that ignited in the school. Investigators quickly found the students suspected of starting the fire and they are expected to face charges.

Another scorched outlet was reported at Plymouth North High School on Tuesday. A teacher told responding firefighters that two students had caused the outlet to ignite while performing the challenge.

“The other issue can be that you do damage to some electrical wiring behind the wall and a fire could be undetected and burning in the walls, endangering everyone that’s in the building,” Plymouth Fire Chief Ed Bradley told reporters.

Ostroskey said in his advisory by saying the new viral trend is “similar to past viral videos that encourage unsafe behavior.” These include the now infamous “Tide pod challenge” and “cinnamon challenge,” both of which were considered dangerous.