How You Can Prevent a Short Circuit
Short circuits are some of the most dangerous accidents that can seriously damage your entire electrical system. They take place when conductive objects get into contact with hot wires. They can affect appliances and cause electrical shocks or fires. Fortunately, there are several methods to prevent short circuits and avoid serious harm.
Ways to avoid short circuits:
Check your outlets
Every electric outlet comes with a box containing wires, which is where short circuits develop. Some of the most common causes include aging outlets, loose connections, and faulty wiring. While diagnosing these problems can be challenging, professional electricians can inspect them to avoid disasters since the components are located behind walls. Here are some well-known indicators the outlet may be running a risk of short-circuiting:
The unit is more than 15-25 years old.
There's a burning smell or burn marks.
There's a popping or buzzing sound.
The outlet is emitting sparks.
Reduce electrical use during storms
Lighting strikes are another common culprit that leads to short circuits due to a considerable amount of energy entering the house. Therefore, reducing electrical use during lightning storms is highly recommended. Only turn on the necessities since it helps prevent short circuits and lessens the harm if a power surge occurs.
Check appliances
Ensure your appliances are functioning well before using them. The devices' circuitry or faulty wiring can easily trigger a short circuit, so take great care before turning them on. Before each use, look for the following signs:
Exposed circuitry
Damaged wiring, casing, or cords
Cracks
All these scenarios are red flags and increase the potential of short circuits. To avoid them, dispose of the damaged appliance or have it repaired by an expert.
Maintain the circuit breaker
Electrical breakers protect your electrical system from short circuits when the currents are unstable. Each component is connected to a separate circuit to keep it from causing trouble.
However, these elements can only do their job if they're in good condition. Let's explore how to help keep them in great shape:
Check for loose fittings, cracks, or any other forms of harm.
Clean dirty spots or stains on the panel and breaker with dry cloths.
Understand what each circuit breaker controls with a circuit breaker finder.
Mount magneto-thermal switches
Magneto-thermal switches work similarly to fuses. They help prevent power surges by continuously monitoring the current and interrupting the supply when the load rises to unwanted limits.
Do you need professional electrical services?
All these practices help safeguard against short circuits. However, some of them require you to work near hot wires, which spells a lot of trouble. To avoid safety concerns, hire a seasoned electrician and have them inspect the system.
ACT Electric performs quality, licensed and bonded work at affordable prices for both residential and commercial jobs. From troubleshooting to whole-house electrical renovations, their primary concern is the comfort and safety of their customers. Give them a call at (480)986-1722 today!
