How much is really known about electrical faults? Sure, we’ve all heard of faults caused by power surges (especially if you’ve been reading our weekly blog), but when it comes to other types of faults, not many people are clued up.
We’re not going to go into too much technical detail, but we will briefly explain the three most common types of electrical faults.
What is an Electrical Fault?
An electrical fault is basically any abnormal electric current within an electrical power system. Electrical faults originate in the conductor, the electrical wiring within the circuit. An electrical fault is caused when electrical wiring malfunctions or deteriorates and the current’s natural flow through the circuit is obstructed. Faulty wiring is unfortunately a relatively common — and potentially extremely dangerous — problem many residential home owners have to manage.
How Common are Electrical Faults in Residential Homes?
Electrical faults can be the result of a myriad of different and varying causes, or a combination of multiple factors. Most residential home owners will have to deal with some type of electrical fault in their electrical systems eventually, even if it may be a minor fault not posing any danger to residents. The best way to ensure the safety of your family and home is to familiarize yourself with the most common signs and causes of electrical faults.
Most Common Types of Faults
Surges
A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage supplied to a circuit. This spike disrupts the normal flow of electricity within a circuit and causes permanent damage. The sharp increase in electrical energy overloads circuits in appliances and electrical systems, creating an electrical fault. The resulting damage can range from minor malfunctions to catastrophic failure. Surge protection can save your appliances and electrical systems. Read more about power surges here.
Short circuits
A short circuit is when a Live wire comes into contact with a Neutral wire or an Earth Wire. This contact causes the electric current to travel a shorter distance than it’s supposed to, and along the wrong path. This can be caused by many different things, including poor quality insulation, human error, power surges, accidents, conductor failures, amongst others. Short circuit faults can be extremely dangerous because they can spark electrical fires, or deliver potentially fatal electrical shocks.
Open circuits
An open circuit fault, like the name suggests, is when there is an interruption or break in the circuit. This can be caused by frayed or damaged wires that break, blown fuses, or broken conductors. The current running through the circuit is interrupted and power fails. This can be extremely dangerous when heavy machinery or technical equipment suddenly fails. This can also be inconvenient and problematic in residential homes. Having an electrician come and assess the condition of your electrical system/s can save you money and time down the road.
How Sunburst can help
Here at Titan Electrical , your safety is our top priority. We know how important it is to provide your family (people and pets alike) with a safe and functional living space.
Our qualified service professionals are expertly trained to work as efficiently and safely as possible. We have specialised skills & equipment, and years of experience with fault finding. We will be able to troubleshoot your home’s entire electrical system to identify any and all possible faults, suggest the best solution/s to fix the problem/s and offer the relevant repairs or upgrades necessary.
If you suspect an electrical fault in your home’s electrical system, contact us today for specialist advice and Expert Electrical Service.
