Shorting wires is one of the most dangerous precursors that could damage life and property. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that there is no possibility of a short in wiring in your home, and if you have short wires, you must get them fixed. However, it is worth bearing in mind that it is much cheaper and safer to prevent the problem with wires than to correct the consequences. While it is best to leave such tasks to professional electrical services, you must know how to fix short circuits and how to prevent them. This will help you fix a small problem on your own or make sure that the technician you hired is really handling the problem.
Below, we discuss everything you need to know about short circuits and how to prevent short circuits, so you are as prepared as possible for any emergency. And even if it catches you unawares, now you know who to turn to for timely and qualified help. Continue reading to learn more.
What is a Short Circuit in a Home?
The short circuit definition describes a short circuit as an electrical circuit in a wire or device with a lower resistance than it normally would, mainly caused by an unintended contact of components, causing an abnormally high amount of current to pass. This electric current peak can cause a spark and other damage to the device.
In a home, the electrical shortage is caused by broken insulations or improper wiring. However, it can also be due to the wear and tear of old age. Exactly what happens is that the current can bypass the electrical device. While the normal path has considerable resistance to control the current’s power, the bypass has little to none, causing the current to unleash all its charge.
What is a short circuit in electricity? While a short is similar in a home or if referring to electricity, the exact electrical definition would be the malfunctioning of an electrical device that leads to a short circuit and appearance of fire. Now you know what is a short circuit and how it is similar to the ones in your home.
What is a short circuit, and why is it dangerous? If you know, you can be better prepared to react to any emergency and detect problems without them becoming severe. An electrical short is a potential fire starter. Moreover, they can shock anyone that touches the appliance, becoming potentially lethal.
What Causes Short Circuits in Devices?
You must know several things before you learn to fix short circuits, including what causes a short circuit. There are many reasons for a short in the wiring, and while these reasons are difficult to realize, it is already too late by the time you do. When does a short circuit occur? Read the reasons for short circuits below to find out.
- Insulation Defect
Electric wires are covered with an insulating layer made from materials such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE), or Nylon to prevent electric conduction to other materials. However, constant wear and tear or faulty insulation can lead to the live and neutral wires touching and causing a short circuit. Electrical wires touching is one of the main reasons for a short.
- Loose Connection
One of the prime examples of short circuits is when the electric attachments begin to loosen. The loose connection allows the two wires to touch, leading to short-circuiting.
- Household Pests
If your house is infested, the first blame for short circuits should be pests. Pests and animals like mice and rats can bite through the insulating layer, exposing the metal wire below.
- Damaged Appliances
One of the biggest reasons for short in wiring is damaged electronic appliances. It may be due to wear and tear or some damage they received, but these appliances malfunction and can develop short circuits.
Knowing these causes can help you learn how to find a short in a circuit since you will more likely be able to localize the damage and where you must be looking, depending on the reason you suspect.
How to Prevent Short Circuit in Your Home
Before you learn how to fix a short circuit, you must consider how to prevent it.
Check outlets Before Use.
One of the best methods how to prevent short circuits is to check your equipment befire the use. Every outlet has a box attached to wires. Some of the major short circuits occur in faulty wiring and loose connections. While it may be difficult to locate, performing a check beforehand is still better.
Check Appliance
Checking appliances for damages and faulty wiring before Use is one of the best ways how to find a short in a circuit. You must look for damaged cords or wires, cracks in the appliance, or loose connections.
Reduce Usage During Storm
A lightning strike leads to enormous damage due to the high amounts of electricity that can cause an overload. Hence, it is better to reduce the Use of electric appliances during storms.
Perform Basic Maintenance
Since electric appliances and circuits are prone to wear and tear, basic maintenance can avoid unforeseeable events. Most circuits already have some safety measures, such as a breaker that shut the current off in the event of a short circuit because the makers know why a short circuit is dangerous. It would be best to replace these components regularly.
Schedule a Yearly Inspection
As much as you try, it is different when experienced professional checks for any possible short circuits. Hence, you should have your home inspected annually for any dangers or problems that must be acted upon.
Short Circuit Electrical Professionals in Colorado
Now that you know what can cause a short circuit, you must know how to deal with one. McCarrick Electric has the best short circuit electrical contractors that can help prevent and fix short circuits to ensure you are safe in your home. Found in the 1960s, we have more than 25+ years of combined experience and take pride in our customer service and satisfaction.
First-time customers and veterans get a 15% discount, a bonus on our already low prices. Moreover, you can be assured that we will work professionally and provide great attention to detail.
We are available 24/7 for any emergencies. Call us today at 720-505-0504 or reach out to electrical experts online on our website.
