Short circuit – how to find the cause of and turn on the power again?
When the electric current goes in the wrong direction, a short circuit occurs. This is due to a malfunction in the circuit between the consumer panel and the electrical appliance. For example, the two wires touch because they have relocated from their connection points or their insulation has been damaged. If it happens you will need to call qualified professionals PES Electrical.
Extremely strong current passes through electrical installations and goes in the direction that provides the least resistance until a fatal point is reached – a fuse or miniature switch that burns or shuts off so that the circuit breaks off and the current stops flowing. If there are no weak points, a short circuit could cause a fire by overheating electrical installations or joints. You can hear when the fuse burns – for example, in a plug when you put it in a socket.
How to find what’s wrong?
First, turn off the power on the consumer panel or on the main fuse box. Never check while the power is on. Each fuse carrier or box must have a circuit breaker that protects it. If fuse holders are not marked, check each one individually.
In the case of an older type of fuse carrier with a removable wire, you will see that the wire is broken or you will see the beads on the wire or you will find an interruption when you gently press the wire. If you have a consumer panel with a miniature switch, you can see which button or switch is off. If you have fuse holders with a solderable cartridge, you will need to check each fuse individually.
Break on a lighting structure
Turn off the lights – as well as the main switch on the consumer panel. Inspect the flexible lamps of the hanging lights. Flexible cable breaks with time, and any movement can cause touching of bare wire. Also check the joints in the light body, throat and light switch to check if the wire has been loose from its connection point.
Another possibility is that the cable is damaged. Use a circuit tester to check for any damage. If the power cord is damaged, you will need to replace it. When repairing all of the failures, replace the fuse or replace the miniature switch on the consumer’s control panel and turn the main switch on again. If the fuse goes out again or the miniature switch is turned off, call a qualified electrician.
Break on the circuit
Disconnect all switched-on electrical devices so that all plugs and sockets are free. If there are triple sockets or fixed terminal boxes in the circuit, test the fuses in them to check that they are correct. Replace the fuse in the consumer’s installation panel or turn on the miniature switch and turn the main switch on again. If the fuse goes out again or the miniature switch is turned off, call a qualified electrician.