Have you ever popped your leftovers into the microwave, hit 30 seconds, and then watched your microwave come on and promptly turn off (instead of heating your leftovers)? Sure, your GFCI outlet may have tripped, but most likely you’re experiencing an electrical short. This problem can stem from the appliance’s wiring or from the electrical circuits and while of course it’s annoying, it could also be dangerous.

What Happens During an Electrical Short?

Electrical shorts may be a bit puzzling since electrical circuits are so intricate but we’ll try to explain. Electricity flows along the circuit to power up devices that are turned on. However, if a ‘hot wire’ comes in contact with a neutral or ground wire in an electrical outlet or appliance, it completes what is called a ‘short circuit’. During an electrical short, excess electrical current flows through the circuit for a brief moment until the fuse blows or the circuit breaker clears the circuit. This overflow of electrical current can damage appliances or even start a house fire.

What’s the Cause of an Electrical Short?

Several things could cause the electrical short to happen. Since the ‘hot wire’ has made contact with a neutral (ground) wire in order to cause the short, we can determine that something has changed in the original wiring. These changes often result from deterioration or damage. 

Old Wiring. Wiring can deteriorate and become a safety hazard as it ages. Some older homes may even have aluminum wiring (instead of copper), making the chances of overheating and short circuits greater.

Damaged Wire Insulation. The wiring inside your home and appliances are insulated to prevent them from contacting each other, but if this insulation is damaged or even weakened, you could experience electrical shorts more often. This damage can come from natural wear and tear over time, or from rodents chewing through it.

Incorrect or Loose Wiring. If the wiring in your home or appliance becomes loose or was installed incorrectly, the wires are more likely to touch, which would create a short. 

How To Tell If You Have an Electrical Short

Since there are several different causes of electrical shorts, you’ll need to be able to identify the warning signs so you can fix present issues and prevent future damage to your home and your appliances. Ask these questions to help you determine if you might have an electrical short: 

Do you smell burning or smoky odors around your outlets?

Can you feel warm spots on your wall, far away from heat sources?

Are there discolored spots or burn marks around your outlets?

Is a certain circuit breaker tripping more and more frequently over time?

When you see exposed wires in your home, are there any signs of damage to the wires?

If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then you might have an electrical short on your hands. If you answered yes to multiple questions, the odds of an electrical short are worrisome enough that you should investigate further right away.

How To Find an Electrical Short in Your House

If the problem is that one particular appliance constantly stops working while in operation, the electrical short may be in that appliance’s wiring. Repairing or replacing this appliance may fix your issue, however if the appliance is good, then the problem is somewhere else in the wires or outlet that feeds that appliance.

Although there are many ways to test for electrical shorts in your home, electrical wiring, especially wiring that is potentially faulty, is risky to work with. Occasionally, a short is relatively simple to find, but it often takes an experienced professional with specific tools to locate the cause of a short circuit. Our team has the training and tools to identify and fix your electrical shorts, and keep you and your family safe in the process. If you suspect you have an electrical short or would like your system inspected for safety, call us to schedule an appointment today.