Basics on home wiring and Common signs of an electrical fault in your home

 Electrical faults are inevitable ones. Faulty electric current can create a heavy current flow in a faulty zone, which causes less or heavy damage to electrical appliances. Protective devices are provided for avoiding damage to electrical appliances.

Even though there are protective devices, we need some good knowledge of identifying electrical faults in our home, office, gym, and some other places.

In this article basics of home wiring and identifying fault using some signs of an electrical fault.

Why it is essential to know the signs of the electrical fault?

Electrical fault detection using a common sign is very essential to safeguard our electrical appliances and to negligible expenses.

Basics on home wiring

According to the power supply, wiring connection differs,  

1. Single-phase supply (240 v).
2. Three-phase supply (440v).

Single-phase connection

Single-phase supply requires one hot wire and one neutral wire.

Three-phase connection

A three-phase connection requires three hot wires and one neutral wire. In three-phase supply distribution side has a delta connection. 

Residential Load 

The residential load is connected with low voltage devices such as ceiling fan, lamp, television, air conditioner, heater, etc. Home wiring should be done on a parallel connection.

So whenever an electrical fault occurs on a home's wiring, it directly impacts electrical appliances that are connected with the faulty circuit. In some situations, an electrical fault leads to a power outage to a particular home. 

Protection devices

Residential electrical systems are protected by some common protective devices such as CB, club, Fuses, Switches, etc.

Symptoms of an electrical fault in your home's wiring

We can spot some of the electrical faults by its sign or symptoms. 

1. Power outage
2. Dim light or flickering
3. No power at the power outlet
4. Consistent tripping of MCB
5. Fishy burning smell

A power outage on electrical appliances or to your home

A power outage for a total area is a normal thing, but a power outage to a particular house is a sign of an electrical fault.

In this situation, you have to confirm that the distribution board receives full voltage from the distribution line, by using a test lamp.

 

You can also check the tripping of the main MCB or blown in the fuse at your incomer switchboard or distribution board.

Is your light flickering?

If your light gives low illumination or flickering than the normal condition, it is considered as the sign of an electrical fault. 

This may happen due to bad fitting or loose wiring connections.

No power at a receptacle

The receptacle can also be called a plug point and an electrical outlet. We can take voltage from the plug point using the plug.

 

If the receptacle or electrical outlet did not provide voltage when the supply is switched on then this condition is considered as the electrical fault. This may happen due to the disconnection of wires.

Consistent tripping of MCB

MCB operates as a manual switch under normal conditions, but in the abnormal condition mcb trip automatically. So whenever MCB trips frequently then there is a severe electrical fault in the house wiring. This may happen due to the overloading of the circuit. 

Remember: We cannot reset or turn on MCB, during the presence of an electrical fault. 

Smoke or fishy burning smell from electrical appliances

Burning smells are a common sign due to the heating effect of electric current. 

We can also feel warmth or hotness in the power outlets at the home.
The faulty current produces voltage drop or arc in the joints which leads to overheating hazards especially on ovens or oven switches, shower switches. 

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