According to the Australian Department of Climate, residences in Australia consumed a staggering 483.5 petajoules, or 134,413 gigawatts of energy between 2020 and 2021. This is a 0.6% increase from the last decade, and the trend shows an upward trajectory.
Overheating and short-circuiting aren’t uncommon in Australian households. This is especially true given the heavy use of energy-intensive electrical appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines. What’s more, the high temperatures during the summer months can exacerbate these issues.
With the right knowledge and preparation, you can keep short circuits, overheating, and other damages to your home’s electrical systems at bay.
In today’s blog, we’ll be highlighting some invaluable tips on preventing short circuits and overheating at home.
Australia’s weather can be quite harsh, especially during the summer months. While this makes for a great time to go outdoors and enjoy some sunshine, it also puts extra stress on your electrical systems. That’s because wires tend to expand in hot temperatures, leading to short circuits or blown fuses.
Short circuits happen when two wires touch each other, creating a short between the two. This short can cause an overload on the electrical system and create sparks that could lead to fires or other damage.
Common causes of short circuits in Australian homes include:
Damaged insulation may cause neutral and hot wires to come into contact, leading to short circuits. It’s important to check your house’s wiring periodically and ensure that all fittings are in good condition. Also, ensure you hire a reputable electrician to do any electrical work on your property.
Dirty air filters can also be a cause of short circuits. The dust and debris in the air can accumulate on the electrical wiring, leading to short circuits. It’s essential to check your filters regularly and change them at least every three months.
Worn-out or damaged wiring can short circuit. It’s important to inspect all your electrical appliances and wiring regularly and replace any worn-out parts. Also, ensure that you don’t overload outlets or power strips, as this can also lead to short circuits.
Loose connections or faulty wiring may lead to wires coming into contact with each other, causing a short circuit. As such, it’s vital to check your wiring and ensure all connections are secure, and always hire a licensed electrician for any wiring work in your home.
There are many ways to prevent short-circuiting or overheating at home. Some of them include the following:
This is one of the simplest and most effective steps to prevent short-circuiting. Always be careful not to overburden your outlets or power strips, as this can quickly lead to short circuits.
It’s important to have your home’s electrical system checked annually by a professional electrician. This will help identify potential short-circuiting hazards and address them before they become an issue.
High winds and thunderstorms are one of the leading causes of short circuits. Short circuits are likely to occur when water from storms comes into contact with exposed wiring. Reduce your electricity usage during storms if possible, and never operate electrical appliances outside in wet conditions.
If you notice any fraying cords or exposed wires on electrical appliances, replace them as soon as possible. Exposed cables can short-circuit and cause serious damage to your electrical system, or even lead to fires.
Short circuits can be a significant and potentially life-threatening electrical issue. But with these tips, you can reduce the risk of short circuits occurring in your home. Just remember to leave the hands-on electrical work to the pros. Attempting to DIY electrical repairs or maintenance is dangerous.
At Astley Electrical, we specialise in electrical maintenance and installation services. Our team of experienced electricians can help you identify short-circuiting hazards and eliminate them from your home. Contact us today to find out how we can help you keep short circuits away for good!
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