A circuit is nothing but an electrical mechanism pathway for a constant power supply to your designated home outlets. A circuit consists of many components like capacitors, resistors, inductors, etc. All of these components have different functions and based on their individual working principle a circuit is completed with the help of a wiring connection.
If any of these components fail to perform their assigned task or the wiring gets damaged the circuit may start malfunctioning or can even stop working. In general terms, it is known as a short circuit. As a result of a short circuit, users might experience problems with home appliances or can get confused due to no power supply. If you are one of those users who are facing the same issue, then it is always suggested to seek professional help. In today’s article, we will be learning about some of the user-friendly methods to identify and fix short circuit problems.
What is a Short Circuit and What are Different Types of Short Circuits?
Generally short circuits take place due to wiring faults majorly. As a result of faulty wiring, the other components might fail to perform tasks and can even malfunction in their assigned tasks due to which a user can face a short circuit issue. Every circuit consists of three important wiring subways. One acts as a hot wire which allows the current to flow from the source to the outlet (load), the second is the neutral wire which allows extra current to flow back from an outlet (Load) to the source and lastly third wire which acts as a ground wire that allows faulty current to flow underground.
1. Normal Short Circuit
As explained in the mechanism in the above section, if the hot wire gets in touch with the neutral wire or makes any contact with the neutral wire the user will experience a short circuit known as a normal short circuit. In such cases, the resistors stop working immediately once both wires come in contact with each other because of which a large amount of current will flow in the circuit from an unknown path.
2. Ground Fault Short Circuit
Just like a normal short circuit if the hot wire comes in contact with the ground wire instead of neutral or any other ground element of the system. The user will immediately experience a strange activity within the circuit. A ground fault short circuit can also lead to electrical shock or can cause a fire.
How to Fix a Short Circuit?
1. Check for the Tripped Breaker and Isolate the Circuit
Breakers are very crucial components in any circuit. It helps the circuit to stop the flow of current to the outlets in a heavy load. This activity prevents the user from receiving any electrical shock and also safeguards the home appliances from any damage. In order to check the tripped breaker, first locate the breaker box position in the system and check for any tripped breakers using the reset method. A user can perform a reset breaker method to identify the tripped breaker. In order to perform the reset method a user needs to put down all the breakers in the off position and then move them back again to the On position. If any of the breakers fall back or seem to be loose in position, then it’s a sign the breaker is tripped. Once you find the tripped breaker, repair the box by adding a new breaker and then examine the complete circuit.
2. Turn the Circuit Breaker Off
After the breaker inspection if the issue continues to persist then try turning off the breakers it will help the user to identify the problem in detail. By performing this activity, a user can confirm whether the problem is with the breaker or the circuit’s other components. In some scenarios, users may face issues due to defective capacitors or resistors. By turning off the breaker, you can clarify the tripped breaker working.
3. Identify and Inspect the Devices on the Circuit
Once a user gets a clear image of the breakers working then we can proceed with the analysis by inspecting the other devices present in the circuit. For example, capacitors, resistors, or inductors can also be the cause of the problem. Each of these components has unique working principles in their own manner. It is really important to properly inspect another component to find the root cause of the issue.
4. Check Wires and Cables
Cables are the most important element in any circuit. As they are the main source of transport for current to flow from the source to the load. In many situations, a component might act strangely due to defective or loose wiring. Identifying the root cause of by inspecting the wiring can be a really tough task. The reason is that very complicated connections are made and it needs real focus to check and examine each point. Even if the user identifies the damaged point, they must confirm first it is due to faulty wire or loose connections.
5. Buy a New Wire
If you feel there is some sort of a problem with the wiring but are unsure if it is because of a damaged wire or poor connection. It is advised to install the new wiring system in the circuit. Ensure you seek help from professionals and let them complete the task. New wiring will increase the probability of resolving the issue by almost 50%.
6. Remove Insulation and Solder
Many times the user repairs the existing wiring system in order to reduce the circuit repair cost. But in reality, it actually can increase the cost by double in the future. The repairing of wiring is usually done by insulation and soldering. If you have any such insulation or soldering points in the system try removing them by using the essential tools. It is always suggested to hire a professional for such activities as it requires a defined skill set to resolve the issue.
7. Turn the Circuit Breaker Back On
Once you are done with all the changes and repairs now it is time to check the result. Now steadily turn on the breakers by moving them to the upwards position (On position) and check if you see any sudden breaker fall. If everything goes well then the issue is resolved or if you experience a breaker fall then it is advised to seek help from a professional for proper inspection.
What are the Reasons for Short Circuits?
A circuit consists of many components that help the current to follow properly at the right amount. If any of these components fails to perform their individual activity the individual may experience a short circuit problem. Below are some common reasons that can cause a short circuit problem in your home circuit system.
1. Faulty Circuit Wire Insulation
Faulty wire insulation is the most common problem that can cause a short circuit issue. Wire insulation is a process to connect the two open points of different wires using the insulating tape. Typically it is done to create a pathway for the steady flow of current. The need might occur due to a shortage in wire length or when a user is trying to connect a wire between two components. If the insulation is not done properly the current might flow in an unknown path that might cause electrical shock or failure of other components.
2. Loose Wire Connections
Just like faulty wire insulation, loose wire joints or connections can also cause the same problem. But in this situation, the probability is very low to identify the defective connections. Make sure you seek help from a professional if you ever feel there is a problem with wire connections.
3. Incorrect Installation
Sometimes it gets very difficult to find the root cause of the issue. It happens when every component seems to be fine and there is no wire damage at all. In such a situation, the problem may occur due to incorrect installation. Each of the components in the circuit has a unique working principle and every component has to be installed in an appropriate place with proper wiring. if failed to do so can result in a short circuit.
4. Wiring Contacted with Moisture
Moisture can be a real problem when you haven’t covered your circuit and wiring with proper safety. Being rubber-protected, wires can easily get damaged due to moisture. Usually aged wire easily gets affected by the moisture and this wire can cause problems in supplying the current. It is advised to check the wire’s health regularly and if required change or repair it with proper maintenance.
5. Damaged Switches or Outlets
Being a mechanism of multiple devices, short circuits can also be caused due to damaged switches or outlets. As outlets and switches are the direct access points for any user. Individuals should make sure they do not use dirty and or wet hands to operate such components. Ignoring basic etiquette can damage the outlets & switches internally, which later on can cause short circuits due to disturbance in the current flow.
6. Abnormal Buildup of Electrical Currents
abnormal buildup of electrical circuits refers to an alignment of non-compliant components in the system. If you are building up a circuit system plan for extraordinary use, make sure the specification of all the components matches the requirements. For example, resistors, capacitors, switches & outlets should be capable of handling the load. One cannot compromise even on a single component as it will lead to a complete system failure and that might cause a short circuit.
How to Prevent Short Circuits?
To avoid short circuits, firstly one should focus on proper buildup of the circuit system. make sure all the components are compliant with the requirements. Use good quality wiring along with the surge protectors and try to avoid any insulation joints. Keep a regular inspection of the breaker as this is the first component that gives a signal for any system failure. Always do regular maintenance and analysis of the system to avoid any damage. make sure you do not use dirty or wet hands to access the switches or outlets By maintaining the proper working health of the circuit system one can easily prevent short circuits.
Short Circuit – FAQs
Ans: One can avoid short circuits by installing safety components like surge protectors and by using good-quality wires. This will help the system to sustain even if it is overloaded, but it is better to avoid overloading the circuit and make sure you perform regular maintenance with the help of professionals.
Ans: It completely depends on the type of inspection. Generally, professionals use a multimeter to check the current flow in the circuit. Also other tools like insulation tape & wire strippers for replacement or repair of the wires. However, for a regular in-house inspection or repair circuit breakers and fuse boxes are sufficient for basic replacements.
Ans: Yes, as the circuit is the main mechanism system that allows current to flow from the source to the load (Outlets), and appliances are connected to the circuit via these outlets. Accordingly, if a short circuit occurs the current will flow in an unknown amount that can damage the other devices.
Ans: Yes, there are possibilities that a short circuit can occur without any visible sign or indication like no smoke or sparkle. That is why it is always suggested to keep an eye on breakers as they are the first indication. Also sudden power cut or fluctuation is a sign of a short circuit.
Ans: Yes, whenever a short circuit occurs it completely disturbs the current flow system. because of which the current may flow from an unknown path and in no defined value. Usually, it is very high and can cause problems to devices or can damage them as well.
Conclusion
A circuit is a very delicate mechanism system of electrical supply that requires regular inspection & maintenance. A circuit mechanism is built by the alignments of multiple components, even a single component failure can lead to a short circuit. Maintaining the system by regularly repairing or changing faulty components like capacitors and resistors is advised. More importantly, inspecting aged wires is very important to avoid short circuits. Wire can easily get damaged due to moisture or heavy current flow. Also, avoid using too many appliances at the same time in the circuit. This will overload the current flow in the circuit and that can cause a short circuit.
