We rely too much on Electrical sources, and in recent times it fuels our daily activities. We feel it is importance more when any natural calamity causes a major power breakdown. Sometimes, a mere short circuit also takes a toll on our life. In most cases, the power failure owes to short courses.

With an obstruction in the electricity flowing path, the short circuit takes place, leading to a snap in the electrical connections. It happens, when two wires snap in the electrical panel. A short circuit occurs in generating severe heat and fire. So, in what manner should we prevent the same? Read along to get a notion on the preventive measures of the short circuits at home.

Short Circuit

Short Circuit terminology is the most common one amongst the electricians, while they refer to any situation when the neutral wire gets joined or touched with a live wire. Resistance lessens down, causing a considerable amount of electricity flow. A classical short circuit lets out sudden sparks, with a crackling sound. Sometimes smoke emits from the point where the short circuit takes place.

Ground Fault

When the live wire carrying electricity comes in contact with a specific, grounded portion, like open copper ground wire, ground-metal wall electrical panel, or any appliance directly in connection with the ground. But unlike a classical short circuit, a ground circuit has less chance of catching fire or emitting smoke. But the notable amount of shock takes place when you come in contact with the same.

Causes of a short circuit

There are various causes relating to the occurrence of a short circuit. Most of the time, it occurs owing to weak or worn-out wiring, old and dilapidated buildings, or else too much of power flow at one time. The causes are –

1) Loose connections

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With time, the wiring of any house tends to hang loose. Many times, we are not aware of the same, but live wire comes in contact with a neutral wire resulting in a short circuit. If the meter box area of the house remains unchecked for long, it will result in the occurrence of a short circuit, hazardous sparks, flames, and emission of smoke. Appoint a licensed electrician, who will go for thorough checking of the house’s wiring. 

2) Outdated electrical appliances with connectivity problems

Old installations, like huge sized geysers, microwave ovens, OTGs, or washing machines, all these appliances also cause a short circuit, if not appropriately checked from time to time. Old and rusted iron plates, nails, or screws punctures the wiring inside, leading to the short circuit hazard. In the long run, sometimes improper installation triggers short or ground circuit. Moreover, pests like mice, rats, and cockroaches mess up the whole internal wiring, while exposing the live-metallic wire portion. It, too, leads to the aforesaid electrical mishap.

Preventive measures

A short circuit gets identified by smoke, flame, or spark. But to live a safe life, you should be well aware of the precautionary measures that are to be taken, to disallow the same. The following strategies will further guide you –

1) Unplug unused electronic gadgets

It would be best if you always unplugged the electrical devices, as most of the time, it consumes unwanted power when plugged in the socket. Even if you physically turn-off the tools, they continue consuming electricity. In most cases, T.V, air conditioners, microwave oven, all these keep on consuming power, even when in standby mode. If at all some mishap takes place in the inner wiring, the whole electrical unit will blow-out or catch fire, owing to the short-circuit, even in standby mode.

2) Always ground the electrical gadgets

Ground all the electrical appliances, as Grounding acts as a significant thing in the current flow. It is budget-friendly and reduces the chances of occurrence of any short circuit. The high voltage electricity flow is rooted to the ground when any opportunities of short circuits arise. 

3) Replace the worn-out wires

Replace the worn-out wiring for safe-functioning. If any of the wires are hanging loose, neatly tape them and place adequately inside a junction box. Get it inspected by a licensed electrician to avoid any electrical mishap.

4) Install a circuit-breaker

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Prevent your heavenly abode with an installation of a circuit breaker. It will act as a boon in disguise, whenever any live wire touches any object or neutral wire. The circuit breaker will snap-out the power supply when there is an excess amount of heat flow.

5) Avoid stacking on a single point

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Avoid stacking too many electrical appliances at one single connection. It could lead to a high risk of short circuit. Use less than three inputs on a separate power connection, and also avoid using too many multi plugs to prevent short circuits. Too many multi plugs generate a lot of heat, causing the occurrence of short-circuit, sparking, or even fire. Plug a extension cord to connect the high power-consuming appliances, like T.V, refrigerator or microwave oven. The authority will get equally distributed and reduce short-circuits.

Stay safe

We often are misguided with the term ‘short circuit,’ as it is often wrongly connoted. In the real sense, a short circuit relates to a specific condition where the electricity strays out the typical electrical layout of the whole electrical circuit. In naked eyes, these problems are not always detected but remain hidden inside the worn-out wiring or old plug-in appliances.

Get hold of a professional electrical mechanic to get the solution. Never try experimenting by handling the affair all by yourself. Any smoke, or burning signs, or melted plastic smell will help you identify the electrical glitch. Stay safe in a secured and insured house, with proper installation of electrical gadgets, and wiring. The things above discussed will further help you to prevent short circuits at your living habitat.