It may seem like an insurmountable task to find and fix a short circuit.
The long path for the energy to flow back to ground is on the intended circuit.
But when a shorter path is provided,electricitynaturally seeks this routethe path of least resistance.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The electricity immediately changes its course to head to ground on this shorter, easier path.
Thus, the term short circuit.
The electricity has created a shorter circuit than the intended circuit.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Even steel and iron are poor materials for wiring, though better than wood and fiber.
Lights, TV, computer, outlets, and anything else on that circuit will instantly shut down.
Older style fuses will blow out.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The tripped breaker or blown fuse is why the devices turn off.
Leave the circuit breaker tripped off, locate the source of the short circuit, and then fix it.
The circuit breaker will not remain in the ON position until those things are done.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Evidence of Previous Short Circuits
Short circuits often do not announce themselves until the moment they happen.
But in some cases, there may be a warning sign of a previous short circuit.
This could come in the form of a charred wire or light switch.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
If the short circuit was recent, you may notice a metallic smell.
Or you maysmell burned plasticor rubber.
Sometimes, there are sparks and a bright light.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
A loud zapping sound or a boom can also accompany a short circuit.
The rig powered by the electrical current will stop working.
GFCI outlets will trip off.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
This situation would happen if electricity is still flowing through a wire and you touch it.
Leave the front cover in place, since it covers the energized metal lugs.
The lugs remain live even after the main breaker has been turned off.
Isolate the Circuit
Identify the circuit.
see to it that you’re dealing only with the circuit in question.
It may be necessary toremove the breaker.
To do this, take off the front protective panel with a screwdriver.
Rock the breaker back toward the side of the service panel.
The breaker should lift off.
Then, unscrew the wires from the terminals.
Examine Devices
Check the outside of each equipment on the circuit.
Look Inside Devices
Where practical, check wires in each gadget.
Open up electrical boxes and check connections.
Look at junction boxes that aren’t attached to devices.
Remove light fixtures and check out the insides of the fixtures themselves and inside their electrical boxes.
Sincewires are generally closed up in walls, this may be difficult.
But often, wires run along the joists in attics and can be seen with a flashlight.
What do circuit breakers really do?
David Gray Electrical Plumbing Heating & Air - Southern HVAC.
Electrical Safety Training for the Manufacturing Industry.U.S.
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
