What Is a Short Circuit? Common Reasons Explained
Working on DIY projects at home is a great way to spend the weekend. When electricity’s involved, you’ve got to take a particular measure of safety. But sometimes, even the most careful home repair project results in a shower of sparks or melted wires.
The cause of these unpleasant results is a short circuit. While people use the term frequently, the exact meaning isn’t well understood.
We know not to touch the black and red clamps when jumping a car battery. And if you’re of a certain age, you’ve probably touched a 9-volt battery to your tongue.
These are good examples of closing a circuit the wrong way. That tingling sensation and popping of sparks connect opposite poles of a battery in the wrong way.
A short circuit is a different beast altogether. It’s just as dangerous and can cause significant damage. So, let’s look at the signs and consequences of a short circuit. By learning to recognize them, you’ll be that much safer.
Signs and causes of a short circuit
Electrical systems usually have an intended path for the current to follow. Engineers design the circuit or path so that the electric current coming out is the correct voltage. Most home outlets put out 120 volts. In Europe, outlets run at 240 volts, so you need a travel adaptor for your personal appliances.
Normal circuit resistance decreases the voltage to what the appliance needs. Without that resistance, your device would get too much power and overload.
What causes short circuits?
A short circuit results when the intended electrical current’s path is interrupted. As we mentioned, these closed loops are designed to handle a certain amount of current.
When there’s a short, the current leaves the intended loop through an outside source not rated for that current.
Signs of a previous or continual short circuit
If you suspect a short circuit in your home, you can look for these signs: visible burned or melted wires, blackened outlets, and flickering lights.
Sometimes there’s a continual short circuit which is easy to identify. Flickering or dimming lights, buzzing outlets, a burning odor, and hot outlet covers are clear signs of a short.
What are the types of short circuits you may encounter?
You’ll likely see short circuits in a few different scenarios in your home. Common appliances, lamps, and outlets are the most typical culprits. While many appliances come with built-in overload protection, it’s not foolproof.
Your normal short circuit scenario
When the insulation around electrical wiring is damaged, the current looks for the path of least resistance. In appliance cords, we use copper wire because of the relatively high conductivity of the metal. If something pierces the power cable and comes in contact with the metal inside, the current jumps to whatever is nearby.
The electrical panel or circuit breaker box at home manages shorts by shutting down. All the items plugged into that circuit lose power, but the dangerous short is stopped cold. A fire or other severe damage can result if that doesn't happen. Essentially, the breaker box functions as circuit protection, ensuring the system's safety.
Water can be a factor, too, because it’s an excellent conductor of electricity. You should inspect cords in wet areas regularly. If there’s damage, replace them immediately!
Ground fault short circuit
In a ground fault short circuit, instead of returning to the current source, electricity is released into a “ground.”
For appliances, this is usually the metal frame not designed to carry current. Instead of the highly conductive copper wire, the short forces the current through a highly resistant material. As a result, too much power goes through the circuit, causing it to burn out.
Why you shouldn’t try to fix your short circuit
DIY methods easily manage many home repair issues. Electrical problems are one of the few that require a high degree of knowledge and safety. It’s very easy to accidentally cause serious damage to your home or yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you suspect you’ve got a short circuit at home, the worst thing to do is start poking around. Accidentally contacting the source could lead to serious burns or even death.
Contact a professional instead of endangering yourself
Safety should be your biggest concern when working with electricity. You don’t get extra points for trying to fix electrical problems on your own. Professional electricians are highly trained and licensed to work on these issues. Beyond knowledge, they’ve got specialized tools to identify and address whatever needs repaired.
Young Cardinal Electric assists in all your home electrical needs!
At Young Cardinal Electric, our team is ready to help when your system fails. Whether the problem is a short circuit, out of code electrical panel, or you just need more outlets, give us a call!
Our family-owned business is ready to serve you and bring our expertise to your electrical issues. We can even add electrical boxes to power that gorgeous EV parked in the driveway!
Check out our website to book a consultation or for a quote. Don’t let electrical problems get out of hand. Contact us today!