A short circuit is an electrical phenomenon that occurs especially when two electrical cables come into direct contact, usually due to a lack of insulation. The result is a sudden increase in the intensity of the current that can cause a fire.

In an electrical installation, there are always at least two cables. Electric current enters through one and exits through the other. Between the two of them, it goes through an electrical device (a washing machine, a television, a computer, etc.) and makes it work. When the plastic insulating material is damaged, the two wires can touch each other directly, without going through a device. The current takes a short cut, hence the name short circuit. In other words: when, in an electrical circuit, there are two active parts that collide with each other, a difference in current is produced, a large current peak rises, at that moment the electrical phenomenon occurs.

This flare of light and fire that burns the cables occurs when there is a difference in current, it can be due to accidental shock or because a person touches an element of the circuit (known as “touching sheet metal”).

How to protect an electrical installation from a short circuit?

Through the fuses

This electrical component, which consists of a small wire, is a current conductor, but unlike a cable, it has a very low melting point, which allows the current to be interrupted when it is excessive. In this way, it is possible to prevent the rest of the circuit from suffering the shock and thus prevent fires, protecting electrical equipment and installations.

The breakers

They have the same function as fuses. When the coil of a breakerdetects a difference in current and heat produced by the spark, it disconnects itself. These fixtures are set to jump to 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 Amps of power.

Spreads

They act like breakers or fuses, but they provide something important: the excess current is displaced to ground, thus preventing a person who has come into contact with it from being affected. The differential is what really saves the life of a human being, for example when a child puts his finger in a socket (electricity contact in Mexico).