Your home comprises a system of electrical circuits controlled by either a circuit breaker or fuse panel. Both are designed to shut power off to individual circuits when problems are detected. If you’ve blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers recently, it might be due to one of these common issues that require an electrician to repair.

What’s the Issue With Your Electrical System?

1. Short Circuit

Electricity in your home starts at the service panel, which is then dispersed to your wires. The current usually decreases as it’s met with resistance, such as when an appliance is plugged in and turned on. However, if the resistance is bypassed—usually from damaged wire insulation—the electricity is unimpeded and will begin flowing at a higher rate.

If this problem occurs, the jolt in power will cause the fuse to blow. This is to stop the high flow of electricity from overheating the circuit and possibly causing a fire. Prevent short circuits by having an electrician regularly inspect your outlets and home wiring, and avoid using damaged appliances.

2. Overloaded Circuit

Each circuit in your home is designed to carry a specific current, measured in amperage. When the fixtures connected to the circuit—also known as the load—exceed the available amps, they overload the circuit, and the fuse connected to that area of the home blows.

Many times, when this problem continually happens in a specific room, it’s because too many items are plugged into the same circuit. However, it could also indicate that your home’s circuitry is outdated and unable to handle the voltage demands of modern electrical devices.

3. Ground Fault

Although similar to a short circuit, a ground fault is an unintentional flow of electricity that leads directly into the ground. This is usually the result of a hot wire bypassing the intended circuit wiring and touching a ground wire or the side of an outlet box connected to a ground wire. When the increase in power flow is detected by the fuse, it will shut off the circuit. If you suspect a ground fault, call an electrician immediately as it poses a threat to anyone in contact with the current flow. 

If you’ve recently had problems with your circuit breaker or have had numerous blown fuses, contact the electrical contractors at Zelek Electric. This family-owned business has provided commercial and residential electrical services to New London and Middlesex County, CT, for over 33 years. Their electricians are available 24/7 to handle any emergency. Call them today at (860) 434-9726 or visit their website to learn more about their comprehensive list of services.