Short circuits and minor fires: A threat

Adequate precautions are imperative to avoid short circuit and a possible fire after it. Parasmal Jain, Managing Director, Fybros, shares more on the reasons for short circuit and precautions to be taken.  

Short circuits are a common form of electrical mishap that can seriously harm your electrical system. They happen when a high-volume electrical current is sent down to a low-resistance channel that isn’t designed to carry it. Short circuits occur while a hot wire comes into contact with a conductive object it is not supposed to.

A short circuit can cause damage to appliances, electrical shock, or even a fire. And if you don’t take any precautions against short circuits, you’re merely raising the chances of something bad happening.

Before you use an outlet, double-check it

Every outlet has a box with linked wires behind it. Faulty wiring, unsecured box connections, and an old outlet are all common causes of short circuits. Although it can be difficult to diagnose these problems because they are hidden behind your walls, you may assist in preventing short circuits by inspecting your outlets before each use. There are a few indicators that your outlet is at risk of a short circuit:

• There are burn marks on the outlet or a burning odour.
• There is a buzzing or popping noise emanating from the outlet.
• Sparks are emitted from the outlet.
• The outlet is between 15 and 25 years old.

If you notice any of these indicators, turn off the outlet and contact us right away.

Make sure appliances are in good working order

Check your appliances before plugging them in, just like you would with outlets. Short circuits can also be triggered by the appliance’s own faulty wiring or circuitry. Check appliances for the following indicators before each use:

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Use less electricity during storms

A lightning strike is one of the most dangerous ways for a short circuit to occur, as a massive amount of electricity can cause significant damage. During a lightning storm, we recommend limiting your electricity usage to only what is necessary. Not only will this assist prevent short circuits during a storm, but it will also assist mitigate the damage caused by a power surge.

Perform routine maintenance on circuit breakers

Your electrical system does feature circuit breakers that protect it from short circuits. When electrical currents are deemed unstable, these components in your electrical panel cut off, each one attached to a distinct circuit. To ensure that circuit breakers perform properly, we recommend that you practice some basic circuit breaker maintenance. We have included a few pointers below:

• Inspect each circuit breaker for any signs of deterioration, such as cracks or loose connections.
• Understand which circuits each breaker protects. A circuit breaker finder is recommended.
• Wipe down the breaker and panel to remove any dirt stains or marks (only dry cloth for this).

Have your electrical system inspected at least once a year

Electrical inspections should be performed at least once a year, just like a doctor’s appointment. It enables a qualified electrician, to thoroughly evaluate your electrical system. From there, we can identify and avoid short circuits and offer cost-effective solutions to any other problems we discover. Electrical inspections aid in the proper maintenance of your wiring, outlets, and other electrical components.