What Can Cause Short Circuits

Both residential and commercial electrical systems can have short circuit issues. When electricity travels through an unintentional and shorter pathway that has low impedance rather than the established electrical path, that’s called short-circuiting, and it can be incredibly dangerous. At Kish & Sons Electric, we have a team of over 100 experienced and licensed electricians ready to identify and prevent short circuits on your property. Here, we identify some of the common causes and signs of short circuits. If any look familiar, call in a licensed electrician as soon as possible to resolve it.

Common Causes of Short Circuits

While some short circuits can be unpredictable, most are caused by wear or insufficient safety components in your building’s electrical symptoms. Some of the most common underlying causes of short circuits are:

• Wire wear and tear: Movement or friction can wear through wire insulation or make wires touch, creating a short circuit path. Over time, wires can also become loose or chewed through, creating an unwanted electrical path.
• No fuses: Fuses prevent electrical overload by interrupting the circuit if too much electricity moves through it. If an electrical circuit doesn’t have a fuse (or the fuse rating is too high), then the circuit will burn and cause an outage or even a fire.
• Faults: Sometimes, new appliances or electrical goods are poorly made, and it will eventually short circuit.
• Water exposure: Electricity and water don’t mix because water is a very unpredictable conductor. When water enters a circuit or system, it will conduct electricity outside the established path. This leads to short-circuiting and shocks.

As a general rule, older homes are more susceptible to short circuits. The wiring is more likely to be worn or chewed, and the electrical system is less likely to comply with modern code and safety requirements for fuses and insulation.

Signs and Symptoms of Short Circuits

But unless you’re regularly inspecting your home for those common short-circuit causes, they may remain undiscovered for months or even years. Instead, stay on the lookout for these signs of short circuits in your home:

• Flickering lights
• Burnt or melted wires
• Burning smells near wiring or appliances
• Scorch marks, which can indicate electrical arc flashing
• Overly hot electrical components

These signs can indicate that a short circuit is imminent or that short circuits have occurred in the past. Any of this sort of electrical damage should be assessed by a licensed electrician before there’s a fire or explosion.

Importance of Professional Electrical Services

Short circuits indicate that your electronics or electrical system is acting unpredictably, and that’s incredibly dangerous. Flipping the circuit breaker can be a quick and temporary solution, but a Kish & Sons Electric professional should handle electrical troubleshooting, repairs, and rewiring. By turning to an experienced team of electricians, like Kish & Sons Electric, you can get:

• A thorough inspection of your home or building’s electrical system
• Professional recommendations regarding upgrades, updates, and circuit breaker repair
• Warranties on the parts or labor (as well as the preservation of existing warranties that DIY repairs can void)
• Protection from accidental mishandling of electrical components, which can cause burns, shocks, and even death
• A long-term solution for recurring short circuits or parts at high risk of short-circuiting

Prioritize Electrical Safety and Seek Professional Help From Kish & Sons Electric

Kish & Sons Electric serves La Crosse, WI, and the wider western Wisconsin area with prompt, professional electrical services to correct short circuit worries. We’re a proud union organization that prioritizes doing the right thing for our clients every time. Reach out today with electrical questions or to schedule an emergency appointment. Contact your friend in the business and let us help make your home or business safer.

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