Why is the "short circuit" not the cause of the fire, but an excuse, and what is the real reason?

       Almost all users with the words "fire" and "electrics", will add the following phrase: «short circuit». Many people are used to awarding a short circuit almost magical power and accusing this physical phenomenon of all imaginable and unthinkable sins. But is it? First, you need to figure out what a short circuit really is.

What is a short circuit?

    A short circuit is a connection between two elements of a circuit (usually conductors) with different potential, or, to put it more simply, voltage. In everyday matters, this is most often the contact of "zero" and "phase", but the short circuit can be between:

• Two phases. For example, in three-phase networks with a line voltage of 400 V.
• "Phase" and "earth". Then the ground loop performs its main role-it removes the potential for life-threatening damage.
• Coils in a coil, transformer, or motor winding.
• The winding and housing of any electrical device.

The natural consequence of a short circuit is a multiple increase in current. Conductors with a cross section designed for a certain nominal operation are not able to withstand this amount of current, and therefore burn out.

The real danger of a short circuit.

A short circuit is not dangerous because it will burn out the wire, at least in an apartment or private house. In a serious production, where an unexpected break in work can bring millions of losses-Yes, but in homes it will only bring minor discomfort, to eliminate which it is enough to call an electrician. But a short circuit carries another, much more serious danger.

A short circuit, according to the Joule-Lenz law, causes significant heat release, and under other conditions, can cause an electric arc. If the protective automation is selected and installed incorrectly, then in a short period of time, the arc can ignite nearby objects: insulation of neighboring conductors, furniture, interior items, personal belongings. And this is already the source of the fire, which will continue to burn even after the power is cut off in the room.

How do I prevent a short circuit?

In order not to worry about the serviceability of electrical wiring and the integrity of the home, you need to do the following: 

• For each separate power and lighting line in an apartment or private house, install an automatic switch.
• Important! Before installing the machine, it is necessary to correctly calculate its nominal value, otherwise the bagger may simply not "see" the short circuit.
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• It is best to mount separate automatic machines on the boiler, hob, and washing machine.
• If the house is old and "plugs" are installed in the panel, they must be replaced with modern circuit breakers.
• Check the quality of connections, especially in sockets and junction boxes.

And never ignore the first signs of faulty wiring: sparks, POPs, the smell of burned insulation. Such seemingly insignificant signals can soon lead to a serious fire.