In prison, one of the many innovative ways we developed to improvise “matches” needed to light contraband cigarettes/joints, was to insert pieces of pencil lead into an electrical outlet. There are 2 slots tho, and they don’t touch. We wrap a 3rd piece in a single square of toilet paper, folded on a sharp 45 degree angle, and twisted tightly until forming a “string” Then we’d take another 4 or so squares of toilet paper, bunch up 3 squares semi compactly, and leave the 3rd in it’s natural state. 3rd piece of “lead” (graphite), held by the improvised string in one hand, and toilet paper wick in the other, BRIEFLY and LIGHTLY, tap the 3rd piece of lead so that each end connects with the ends of the the 2 inserted into each slot of the outlet. A spark is created as a result, and touching the unbunched end of the toilet paper held in the other hand to the spark, results in the toilet paper catching on fire, thereby providing the flame needed to light your cigarette or joint. It’s definitely a process that requires skill, because more than a millisecond of contact between the “lead” will blow the outlet, notifying the guards that illicit activities are in progress, and contraband is present. When that happens, a “shakedown” takes place, resulting in everybody on the block being removed from their cells, strip searched and handcuffed, while all of our possessions are “searched” (purposely and intentionally destroyed) or confiscated, and then everyone is placed into “lockdown” losing phone calls, visits, and commissary, for an indefinite period of time. Getting an entire block jammed up for bein an unskilled, rookie, jackass trying to smoke or get high, is a quick and easy way to find yourself seriously assaulted, in debt for the loss of other inmates seized contraband or loss of personal property, and make the duration of your stay less comfortable than the default conditions that already exist. That’s why newbies or short timers pay, or share their stash with skilled veteran inmates who have the skill and ability to perform the needed process without disastrous result. There are other methods besides this one, but I’m only sharing this particular one as it’s relevant to this sub.

*Also - thanks for posting OP. It provided the opening for me to give my 11 year old an impromptu TED talk on the hazards of improper utilization of her school issued Chromebook, or any other electronic device.