What does it mean when sparks from from an electrical wall outlet or when the on off wall switch is turned on or off?

What does it mean when sparks come from an electrical wall outlet or when the on off wall switch is turned on or off?

You have a serious problem. Call an electrician. Do not keep using this outlet or turning on and off the wall switch.

An electrical outlet shouldn't spark at all. It's also not designed to switch loads, meaning it's not to be the power switch. Switches are designed to close and open the circuit quickly and they are also designed to suppress the arc. Some amount of sparking occurs, but this should be minimal.

When the contact no longer is firm, the contacts heat up and this deteriorates the switch even more.

I've seen older plugs with open terminals which will spark because they are wired such that fragments of wire touch the outlet cover plate and spark. These plugs should be replaced.

The small sparks that occur are a source of ignition and that the reason why your not supposed to to operate any switches when you "smell gas".

If you are comfortable with wiring and the hazzards, Turn Power Off, remove and dissemble, You will see the problem.

When you have sparks from a wall plug as you pull out a plug and cord: that means you have not shut off the connected appliance. Stut off the appliance first and then pull the plug out of the wall socket!
When it comes to a wall switch it probable indicates a worn wall switch which should replaced.

If you are comfortable with wiring and the hazzards, Turn Power Off, remove and dissemble, You will see the problem.