How can short circuits occur

They occur when a low-resistance path not suited to carry electricity receives a high-volume electrical current. The result of a short circuit can be appliance damage, electrical shock, or even a fire. Roman Electric advises every Milwaukee homeowner to practice ways to prevent short circuits, and we have listed 5 of these steps below.

Behind every outlet is a box with attached wires. And some of the major causes of a short circuit are faulty wiring, loose box connections, and an aging outlet. There are certain signs that indicate your outlet may be at risk of a short circuit:.

If any of these signs apply, refrain from using the outlet and contact Roman Electric immediately. Short circuits can also be caused by faulty wiring or circuitry from the appliance itself. Before every use, check appliances for these signs:. If any of these signs apply, we recommend either disposing of or having a professional repair your appliance.

One of the most dangerous ways a short circuit can happen is by a lightning strike, as the overwhelming amount of electricity can lead to some serious damage. What causes short circuits?

A short circuit can occur for a variety of reasons, including: A fault with the insulation- if the circuit wire insulation is faulty, the current can then pass to neutral wire, causing a surge in electricity and a short circuit. The circuit wire insulation can be negatively effected by age and use, as well as screws and nails, and animals like rats.

A fault with the connections- a circuit needs strong connectors to keep the current flowing. If the connector is loose, electricity will be able to pass to either neutral wire, or a grounded part of the circuit, causing a short circuit.

A fault with the appliance- when you plug an appliance into the circuit, it becomes a circuit extension. Arcing is another type of short circuit that occurs when loose wires cause electricity to jump from wire to wire. These can create a generous amount of heat and the risk of fire, so AFCI protection is a must! Regular Electrical Maintenance. Wear and tear is the most common cause of short circuits, making maintenance key to electrical safety.

Annual routine inspections will ensure that your system is not falling to disrepair. More Articles By 4-Star Electric. Written by 4-Star Electric. Services Residential Commercial. Copper is used for electrical wires because it conducts so well, while materials like wood or fiber would be highly inefficient materials for wiring because they resist electricity.

Even steel and iron are poor materials for wiring, though better than wood or fiber. The long path for the energy to flow back to ground is on the circuit. But when a shorter path is provided, electricity naturally seeks this route—the path of least resistance. The electricity immediately changes its course to head to ground by this shorter, easier path.

Short circuits can be caused by:. In a normal short circuit, a powered or hot wire touches a neutral wire. Immediately, resistance drops and current begins to move in another path. In a ground fault short circuit, a powered or hot wire touches a grounded section of a box, device, appliance, outlet , bare ground wire, or anything else supplied by the electrical circuit.

Short circuits often do not announce themselves until the moment they happen. In some cases, though, there may be a warning sign of a previous short circuit. This may be in the form of a charred wire or light switch. If the short circuit was recent, you may sense a metallic smell. Or you may smell burned plastic or rubber. When a short circuit happens, the circuit breaker usually shuts off. Sometimes, there are sparks and a bright light. A loud zapping sound or a boom can accompany a short circuit.

The device powered by the electrical current stops working. GFCI outlets will trip off.