The sight of sparks flying might be exciting in a movie, but you never want to see them coming out of your breaker panel. If you’re experiencing an electrical short, it’s important to figure out where it is happening. Left unrepaired, these issues can lead to fire hazards and electrocutions. By working with a top-rated electrician, you can get these problems repaired right away.
What Is an Electrical Short?
When electricity is flowing properly, it travels from the power source, through the load, and back to the power source. Electricity always follows the path of least resistance. If a new path of least resistance opens up, electricity will travel down it instead.
An electrical short is when a new path of least resistance opens up that shouldn’t be there. For example, this issue may be triggered by a loose connection or frayed wires that produce excess electricity. In turn, this excess electricity can overload the circuit, cause excessive overheating, and start a fire.
Signs You May Have an Electrical Short
There are a few common signs that you may have a short in your home. If you see any of the following indications, you can get immediate help by reaching out to one of our professional electricians.
- Burning Odors: If the wires start to overheat, you may notice a burning odor.
- Flickering Lights: In many cases, the first indication of a short is flickering lights.
- Higher Electricity Bills: A short ends up pulling additional power from your system, forcing it to work harder. As a result, your electricity bills may rise inexplicably.
- Tripped Breakers: If your breaker trips all the time, you may have a short in your system.
- Device Issues: Sometimes, a short causes computers, televisions, and other devices to shut down randomly.
- Charred Light Switches: If a short has occurred in the past, you may notice scorch marks, charred outlets, or burned bits of wire.
- Fires: A short causes overheating. If there is any rubber, plastic, wood, or fabric nearby, it can cause the materials to melt or start a fire.
What Causes an Electrical Short?
Unfortunately, shorts can stem from many different problems. Often, frayed insulation can cause the wires to become exposed. In other cases, circuits can get overloaded because too many devices are plugged in.
Sometimes, the electrical short stems from moisture. In bathrooms, kitchens, and similar areas, water exposure can lead to a short.
The following are just a few of the common sources of electrical shorts.
- Rodents chewing on wires
- Water near the electrical wires
- Faulty cable sheathing
- Screws that inadvertently frayed the wires
- Loose connections
- Damaged outlets, appliances, or lights
How To Find an Electrical Short in Your Home
In order to find a short in your home, there are a few things you should do. However, these steps require a certain level of electrical experience, which is why the safest option is to call a professional electrician for help.
Reset Tripped Breakers
To begin troubleshooting the malfunction, start with your circuit breaker. It should be switched off and turned back on. This is a quick test to tell you if there is a short in your system. If there is a short, the breaker will trip right away.
Do not keep resetting the breaker if it continues to trip. To avoid potential safety issues, you need to get the short professionally diagnosed and repaired.
Isolate the Breaker
Assuming that the breaker keeps tripping, the next step is to isolate the breaker. This will help you determine which breaker the problem is connected to.
Use a Multimeter
Once you’ve isolated the breaker, the next step is to use a multimeter to see if there is voltage present or absent in the breaker. This tool has settings that measure current, voltage, and resistance. If you want to detect a potential short, the multimeter should be in the continuity mode.
One of the probes must be placed on the hot wire. Then, the other should be placed on the neutral wire. If there is no reading, there is likely a short.
The continuity test should be performed when the power to the circuit is off. Then, the multimeter can be connected to the wires you believe have a short. By using a multimeter to perform a continuity test, you can quickly find problems with outlets, switches, and wires.
Check Cables Inside Your Walls
Next, take a look at the cables inside your walls, attic, or basement. While many cables are enclosed within your walls, others are more accessible. If you notice signs of frayed wires, scorch marks, or burning smells, make sure to schedule a professional electrical inspection right away.
Get Professional Electrical Help
Unless you are a skilled electrician, it’s essential to get electrical malfunctions professionally repaired. If you are experiencing any of the following circumstances, you should reach out to one of our electricians right away.
- Scorch Marks: Any visible signs of damage should be addressed right away. Scorch marks, frayed wires, and melted outlets are all indications that something in your system is overheating and may lead to a fire hazard.
- Complicated Problems: While simple issues may be possible to remedy on your own, you should always reach out to a professional for more complex problems.
- Safety Concerns: Faulty wires can cause fires, electrocutions, and other electrical hazards.
- Equipment Damage: Any equipment-related damage must be treated by a professional electrician to avoid placing your family’s safety and the equipment’s integrity at risk.
When an electrical disaster strikes, don’t wait. Our team is available for all of your electrical emergencies. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky!
