Short circuits are faults in an electrical line that can trigger very dangerous consequences if action is not taken in time, or the relevant safety systems are not in place. On this occasion we are going to analyze the concept of electrical short circuit, its causes and characteristics, as well as some tips for prevention and action in case they occur.
Short Circuit Definition: What is it?
A short circuit is basically a problem in an electrical line usually caused when two opposite poles come into contact, this causes a discharge that the line itself cannot suffocate, causing a short circuit in the electrical system. The difference in polarity between the two poles that come into contact is what causes the line to collapse, if there is no insulating cover, the short circuit can become a real risk.
What actually causes the short circuit is the cancellation of the electrical resistance, the cause is, as we said, the union of two different polarities and the lack of insulating protection, this is the meaning of a specific short circuit. The most dangerous consequence is the sudden rise in temperature, which in the most extreme cases can cause fires due to contact with the surfaces attached to the electrical installation.
How can we avoid a short circuit in our home?
Avoiding a short circuit at home is possible if a series of recommendations are followed. A short circuit in the washing machine or a short circuit in a socket is more common than we think, and in most cases it could be avoided.
Here are some precautions we can take at home to avoid short circuits:
- Unplug electrical appliances that you are not going to use immediately.
- Prevent cables, plugs, etc., from coming into contact with water and other liquids.
- Keep the cables of the devices in good condition and change those that are not in perfect condition.
- Repair and maintain the wiring of your home and, if necessary, the electrical installation of the building.
- Install the plugs in spacious places, away from furniture.
These accidents are very common in kitchens, for example, avoiding a short circuit in the extractor hood also depends on us.
Types of short circuits
There are several short circuits caused by different causes. Below we analyze why a short circuit occurs and review its possible causes.
Triphasic fault
A three-phase short circuit occurs in most cases due to a miscalculation in the amount of electricity that the device conducts, this in turn means that the protections of the installation are not properly calibrated and the risk increases.
Single phase to ground fault
The ground phase calculations must be correctly resolved. In necessary cases, it will be essential to design and install an electrical ground grid.
Fault between two phases
This is the most common failure when a short circuit occurs, and in fact it is the first thing that is checked to determine its cause: two opposite poles come into contact and therefore the electrical resistance is cancelled. There are many causes that can cause this contact, there are situations in which we can do little, for example in a short circuit in an outdoor installation caused by especially adverse weather conditions, however we can prevent this from happening in our own home with maintenance regular and rigorous.
Fault between two phases to ground
It occurs between one of the phases and the ground line of the installation. It can be avoided, as long as we check the complete installation. To check the complete installation, we might need to hire professional electricians like 247 Electric Emergency Electricians.
Frequent places where we can have a short circuit
There are situations of special risk that usually cause short circuits or that are more prone. Below we analyze the most frequent places where electrical accidents of this type occur.
Faulty splices and joints
Sometimes it is necessary to make an electrical connection, however this type of union must always be carried out in safe conditions. The electrical connections are carried out by expert professionals and work is always carried out in accordance with the Technical Regulations for Electrical Installations.
Appliances with high electrical consumption
Appliances with high electrical consumption are the most prone to short circuits. A short circuit in the refrigerator or washing machine can be avoided by correctly sizing the electrical protections and installing different conductors. If the fuse trips the risk decreases.
Low quality accessories
As in any sector, in electrical installations there are also low-quality components. They are cheaper, but the poor quality of many of them means that it is the parts themselves that cause short circuits.
Malfunctioning appliances
On other occasions, it is not the circuit itself that causes the short circuit, but the device. An appliance that does not work properly will be more prone to electrical accidents. Sometimes it is as simple as changing the electrical system of the device, other times we have no choice but to discard the device due to the risk it may pose.
One thing is for sure, the electrical problem is a very serious problem. Ignoring it will only lead to bigger problems.