What Are Electrical Short Circuits – Types, Causes, and Prevention

A short circuit refers to a particular situation in which electricity drifts outside the established pathway of an electrical circuit. The situation will produce an excess of voltage streaming and may lead to a higher current flow in the power source. In easier words, electricity will move via a short route and create a short circuit. Brisbane Electrician helps in eliminating such situations by paying regular visits to check your electrical connections. There are several ramifications of a short circuit, keep reading to learn more.

Given below are details highlighting types, causes, and prevention:

Types of Short Circuits

There are two types of short circuits that include normal short circuits and ground fault short circuits. The first one occurs when a hot wire supplying current happens to come in touch with a neutral wire. In this scenario, the resistance comes down and a huge current begins to flow via an unpredicted pathway. The second situation occurs when a hot wire supplying current come in touch with the grounded area of a machine. It may be a grounded metal box, bare ground wire or an area of the machine. Safety Switches Electrician Carindale will help in fixing all your electrical problems with ease.

Causes of Short Circuit

There are various causes of a short circuit. It may include a wrong circuit wire insulation, loose wire connections, and wrong appliance wiring. In regards to wire insulation, if the insulation is old or broken, it will let hot wires touch with neutral thus causing a short circuit. If there is a loose wire connection, it may allow live and neutral wires to touch. And, if there is an issue in the appliance wiring, it may cause circuit issues. It is important to ensure that you have received short circuit protection for all machines. It is best to seek professional advice in matters of short circuit protection for higher safety.

Prevention from Short Circuit

You must take preventive measures to eliminate any unforeseen situation that may spell troubles for humans and property. All the outlets have a network of wires linked to it. In case there are defective wires, loose box connections or if the outlet is too old, it may cause a short circuit. Also, bare in mind turning off your power points during storms. Because a short circuit caused by a lightning strike may prove to be highly dangerous; always go for yearly electrical inspections.

Conclusion:

The above measures will help in eliminating short circuits. A large number of people also install smoke alarms Cleveland to prevent short circuits. Many individuals nowadays opt for circuit breakers or fuses; switching equipment that stops the high flow of current.