What is an electrical circuit?
A short circuit occurs when there is a low resistance connection between two conductors that are supplying electrical power to a circuit. Essentially, this creates extra amounts of voltage which begin to stream and create an excess flow of energy to the power source. The electricity takes a shorter route, therefore causing a short circuit.
Simply put, when a hot wire touches something it shouldn’t, a short circuit occurs.
Are there different types of short circuits?
There are two types of short circuits:
Normal short circuit: The classic short circuit occurs when a live current touches a neutral wire, therefore causing it to make a strange noise, spark, smoke or even create an open flame.
Ground fault: This type of short circuit is a little different in that it occurs when a hot wire touches a ‘grounded’ section of an electrical system such as copper, a metal encasing box or section of a physical device. In the case this has happened, there is less chance a ground fault will cause fire, however it will cause electrical shock if touched.
What are the implications of short circuits?
Both types of short circuits are hazards that should be taken very seriously. Due to imposing danger of both electric shock and fire, short circuits are a personal safety measure and also should be monitored for the safety of your home’s entire electrical system.
How to prevent a short circuit?
There are various means to protect yourself from short circuits, which generally should have started when your electrical was initially installed. All wiring systems should include:
Circuit breakers or fuses
All new wiring systems should be protected by a main service panel that can automatically cut any individual electrical circuit in the home. This is usually located at the side of your home in a metal meter box. These switches can be controlled by you, or alternatively if there is a change in electrical current detected internally in a circuit, the circuit connection will switch off to ensure safety.
Ground-fault circuit interrupters - GFCI
To protect against ground-fault short circuits, electrical systems require circuit breakers in place. Essentially a GFCI will identify a change in electrical flow and shut the system off when the current changes from normal.
Arc-fault circuit interrupters
Arcing is the sparking that occurs when electricity is jumping between contacts of metal. This often occurs when wires are loose from each other but not entirely separated. AFCI’s are installed to anticipate a short circuit and shut off power before the short circuit occurs. AFCI’s are most commonly installed to prevent fires caused by sparks.
While your home may already have electrical safeguarding measures in place, it is good to hire an expert electrician in to assess the functioning.
Aside from the technical prevention of short circuit, there are some measures you can take at home or in office to ensure you avoid any potential electrical hazards:
Check outlets before use
Check appliances
Reduce electrical usage during storms
Check circuits for maintenance
Have a yearly electrical inspection with an experienced electrician
If you’ve got an electrical short circuit that needs fixing, contact the professionals at Response Electricians Perth. Response Electricians Perth are world class electrical experts who know everything there is to know about safety proofing electrical in your home or office. Our prompt electrical solutions have helped hundreds of people seeking electricians in Perth. Contact an expert electrician today!