What is a short circuit?what are the causes of short circuit
Answers
A short circuit is when there is a low resistance connection between two conductors that are supplying electrical power to a circuit. This would generate an excess of voltage streaming and cause excessive flow of current in the power source. The electricity will flow through a ‘short’ route and cause a short circuit.
What Are the Types of Short Circuit
1. Normal Short Circuit
This is when a hot wire carrying current touches a neutral wire. When that happens, the resistance will go down instantly and a large volume of current will flow through an unexpected pathway.
2.Ground Fault Short Circuit
Ground fault short circuit occurs when the hot wire carrying current comes into contact with some grounded portion of the system. It can be a grounded metal wall box, bare ground wire or a grounded portion of an appliance.
What Are Main Causes of Short Circuit
Faulty Circuit Wire Insulation
If the insulation is damaged or old, it may allow the hot wires to touch with neutral. This will cause a short circuit.
Age of the wire, nails or screws can damage the insulation and allow short circuit. There is a risk of pests of gnawing the insulation and exposing the wire conductors too.
Loose Wire Connections
If there are any loose wire connections or attachments, it will allow the live and neutral wires to touch. If you see faulty wire connections, do not try to fix it on your own and call a professional immediately.
Faulty Appliance Wiring
If you plug an appliance into a wall socket, its wiring essentially becomes an extension of the circuit. Therefore, if there are any problems in the appliance wiring, it will become circuit problems.
Short circuits can occur in the power cords, plugs or inside the appliance. Make sure you get short circuit protection for all the appliances.
How Can You Prevent a Short Circuit
Monitor Outlets & Appliances
Every outlet has a network of wires connected to it. If there are any faulty wires, loose box connections or if the outlet is over 15-25 years old, it may lead to a short circuit. Look out for possible signs that indicate faulty outlets, which include:
Burn marks on the outlet or a burning smell
Sparks emitting from the outlet
Buzzing sound from the outlet
Similarly, check the appliances and their wiring too. Faulty appliance wiring or cracks in the appliance can cause a short circuit. Repair such appliances or replace them altogether.
Use Less Electricity During Storms
A short circuit caused by a lightning strike can be extremely dangerous as the sheer amount of electricity can lead to damage. Reduce the electrical usage during a storm as it can help prevent short circuits and lessen the damage in case of a power surge.
Get a Yearly Electrical Inspection
Call a certified professional and get an electrical inspection done at least once a year. They can identify critical issues and resolve them before they can get dangerous because they know how to fix a short circuit.
Install Devices that Prevent Short Circuit
Answer:
Touching of the live and neutral wire due to a faulty insulation is known as short circuit.
A short circuit is when there is a low resistance connection between two conductors that are supplying electrical power to a circuit. This would generate an excess of voltage streaming and cause excessive flow of current in the power source. The electricity will flow through a 'short' route and cause a short circuit.
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