What is an electrical short? Causes and ways to safely fix electrical short

Electric shock is a great danger to human life and causes heavy property damage. So what is an electrical short? What is the cause? How to fix short circuit? Take a look at the article below!

What is an electrical short?

An electrical short is a contact between two conductors that supply electricity to a circuit, resulting in a sudden increase in conductor resistance. At this time, the wire creates an electric fire and destroys the electrical equipment. Shorts occur in either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC).

If the circuit is fitted with a fuse or a circuit breaker, it will automatically cut off the power to the place where it is touched. The phenomenon of short-circuit is a danger to human life, because when short-circuiting often leads to fire, causing death and property.

Causes of electric shock

– Short circuit: Usually occurs and accounts for a high rate because the phase wires are in contact with each other or the fire wire is grounded, which reduces the resistance, leading to a sudden increase in amperage that burns the system and electrical equipment. .

– Loose or open connection contacts: In this case, sparks will be emitted through the air causing fire. This happens when the wiring is not seamless or the connections are not good leading to a short circuit.

– Power is overloaded: When using equipment with high capacity and high frequency such as air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc. This will cause the current to be overloaded, leading to a fire.

– Heat generating equipment: Devices with high heat generation such as irons, hair dryers, etc. are often very flammable. Failure to do so will result in a short circuit of the entire system.

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– Power plugs and sockets: Sockets and plugs are not compatible with each other, too loose or too tight, also leading to electrical leakage and short-circuiting.

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How to troubleshoot electrical short

When you encounter an electrical short, you need to do the following:

Step 1: Disconnect the main circuit breaker

When you encounter a short-circuit situation, you need to calm down and find a way to immediately disconnect the main circuit breaker of the system to limit the impact on other electrical equipment in the house. Quickly call the nearby fire brigade for timely handling.

Step 2: Find a way to put out the fire

• In case the power supply has not been disconnected: You must use insulating objects such as soil, sand, and dry branches to access and remove inflammable items. Absolutely do not use water or metal to perform.
• In case the power is off: Try to put out the fire quickly with items such as fire extinguishers, damp sacks, damp cloth, soil, sand, etc.

Step 3: Find the source of the remaining fire

After you have somewhat failed to control the fire, check to see if the fire is still burning in any other areas to eliminate it completely.

Notes on troubleshooting electrical problems

Bare wires used outside the house are about 0.25m apart. The electrical connections to the equipment must be firm, not open, not touching each other. Use insulating tape to seal the connection.

When installing, the conductor cross-section must be selected in accordance with the load current. Avoid using many electrical equipment with a large capacity that exceeds the carrying capacity of the conductor.

Check the temperature of the power consuming equipment regularly, check the sheath, conductor insulation. If there is an overload, it should be fixed immediately.

Use a fuse and use aptomat for the main power line. When buying, you need to choose quality plug and socket devices, which are compatible with each other and well insulated.

Should you arbitrarily handle electrical short at home?

If there is an electrical short at home, you need to immediately turn off all electricity in the house to avoid causing an accident and get everyone to a safe place. If you do not have experience and expertise, you should not handle electrical short at home.

In addition, you need to equip yourself with knowledge about possible situations if there is an electrical short and how to handle and provide first aid for all cases.

You should call a professional electrician to come to your home to assist with inspection and troubleshooting. Besides. You need to provide the status, cause, and relevant information for the electrician to have a quick response plan.

Above is information about electrical short, as well as how to fix this phenomenon safely. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments!