Short Circuit: What Is It? And What Causes It?

Short Circuit – The cause of an electrical short circuit is usually something that is often being underestimated. 

In fact, by knowing the triggering factor, it’ll make it easier for us to take precautions and overcome it quickly.

Shorting itself can trigger a decrease in electrical power, a momentary disconnection to electrical source, and up to the worst, fire.

So, in today’s article dimulti will give you information about electrical short circuits, from its explanation and up to what causes it.

Dire to know more? Check the explanation down below!

What Is an Electrical Short Circuit?

So, an electrical short circuit is a condition in which electric current flows through an abnormal path. This event occurs because the electric current passes through a shorter path and is immediately cut off.

However, shorting can also occur even though the electrical path is normal, but the capacity of the current flowing is too large to accommodate it. 

The causes of electrical shorting are very diverse, ranging from water spills, damaged or loose cables, and many more.

If you find symptoms such as a sudden power cut, the smell of something burning from your electrical sockets, and smoke coming out – especially in the house, then you need to be cautious because there is a possibility of an electrical short circuit.

The main step is to do a self-check, but if you are too scared, you can call the fire department or other professionals directly.

Also Read: “Electrical Fire: What Is It? And What Causes It?“

What Causes an Electrical Short Circuit?

As mentioned briefly above, there’s not only one cause of electrical short circuits. And each of them requires different handling.

So, what exactly are the factors that can trigger the incident?

1. Excessive Electric Current

The first thing that causes a short circuit is too much electrical power flowing from a tool or device. 

For example, a socket or roll cord conducts electricity for several electronic devices at once that are both high-powered, such as: TV, refrigerator, and iron.

Electricity conducts heat which is then converted into energy by electronic devices. If the socket has to conduct electricity to several devices, of course the heat that appears is excessive. 

This is what then causes the electrical short circuit. A socket with a limited physical form cannot withstand the heat until it becomes pressurized and explodes.

2. Improper Electrical Cable Installation

A short circuit can also occur when the cable installed from the switch or socket is not in accordance with the standards of the device used. 

On the packaging or the back of the body of the switch or socket, there is a detailed description of the amount of electric current and voltage. The goal is to use a cable with the right specifications for maximum delivery.

If you do not use a cable that matches these specifications, the electricity delivered is not optimal.

It can be too small so that the device will not turn on or too large so that the heat that appears becomes excessive and a short circuit occurs. 

Moreover, if you do not use a cable or sockets that is not guaranteed for its safety and quality with an SNI label.

3. Unstable Electric Fuse

The next cause of electrical short circuit is an unstable fuse. Each power, for example 900, 1300, 2200 kWh and so on, requires a different type of fuse. 

Both from current strength, manufacturing materials, and others. Generalizing the use of one type of fuse for all power will result in disrupted electricity delivery – usually due to overloading to heat.

These conditions then create friction currents that cause sparks or even explosions on various scales: small, medium, or large. 

That is what is called a short circuit. Afterward, it can cause a total power outage or disruption to electronic devices: they will not turn on temporarily and shut down completely, or the worst, fire.

Also Read: “How to Put Out Electrical Fire: A Safe Guide“

4. Loose or Wet Electrical Sockets

The next factor that triggers a short circuit is a loose or wet socket. Loose sockets will result in the flow of electricity not being protected in the box.

This is prone to triggering overheating and eventually causing sparks that lead to an electrical short circuit .The hotter it is, the bigger the spark. 

So, what about wet sockets? Wet sockets increase the potential for electric shock or excess flow from the cable to our surroundings.

This shock can cause sparks that cut off electricity or the electronic devices, result in electric shocks to the person touching, and finally can potentially cause a fire.

The hotter the socket is when exposed to water, the more fatal the impact will be.

5. There is a Manufacturing Defect in the Appliance

The cause of electrical shorting can stem from manufacturing defects in the appliance being used.

The device may have manufacturing defects that are difficult to avoid or detect, especially if the company does not perform quality control well.

In addition, short-circuiting can also occur in tools that have been in use for a long period of time, where the performance and physical condition of the tool has significantly deteriorated, especially in the case of electrical conducting components that can burn out due to wear and tear.

As a result, not only is the appliance damaged, but also the overall flow of electricity will be disrupted.

6. Damaged or Peeled Electrical Cables

Electrical short circuits can also be caused by damaged or chipped wires, be it fuse wires, switches, or sockets, which have the function of distributing electricity to various corners of the house or electronic devices. 

When cables are damaged or frayed, they become thinner and are at risk of catching fire while delivering electricity, with the scale of the fire depending on the amount of current being delivered. 

In the event of a fire, it is important to respond using a fire extinguishers that are suitable for electrical fires.

There you have it! All you have to know about short circuits to keep you safe around your home!

One thing that you should consider to prevent this accident to happen in you house is to choose the quality electrical sockets and/or electrical equipments,

And the one thing that you can do to identify quality electrical components or devices, especially in Indonesia is to spot an SNI logo on the product or packaging.

The SNI logo is a testament that your electrical equipment is up to Indonesian quality and safety standards, thus making it safer and of higher quality than the one that is not.

The SNI itself stands for Standar Nasional Indonesia (Indonesian National Standard), which is a type of product approval or certification that regulates most if not all of the products and services sold, distributed and provided in Indonesia.

The SNI not only gives a sense of peace in the Indonesian consumer’s mind, but also has a huge benefit for business owners alike.

The presence of the SNI logo in your product will significantly boost the trust, and also credibility of your business or products.

Not only that, some of the products and services are mandatory to be certified by SNI certification, so by certifying your products or services, it can also be a testament that your business complies with the Indonesian law and regulation, thus avoiding legal problems later on.