Diagnosis of the 3 Most Common Industrial Electrical Faults

Industries are reliant on electricity to power their equipment. For that reason, electrical issues can disrupt operations and subsequently lead to losses. Some common electrical faults are short circuits, open circuits, failure of the system's mechanical components, and excessive corrosion. Luckily, an industrial electrician can fix these issues in no time, allowing you to continue with production without much interruption. Keep reading to learn more about common industrial electrical problems: 

1. Open circuit

An open circuit is easy to identify because it causes part of the circuit to stop operating. This fault is mainly caused by burned-out light bulbs, loose connections and open operating coils. It can also be caused by equipment that has a broken conductor within its insulation. If you notice that a machine is not working, then there could be an open circuit. 

2. Short Circuit

Unlike open circuits, short circuits are pretty challenging to identify and fix. They occur when the electrical current drifts away from its established pathway and uses a shorter distance. The current can find a path either on a grounded object or another conductor. This causes an excessive flow of current which overloads the circuit. 

Typically, a short circuit causes the breakers to trip or the fuses to blow. This fault is mainly caused by loose wire connections, appliances with faulty wiring and inadequate insulation of a circuit's wiring. 

The main signs of a short circuit are a blown fuse, the frequent tripping of the breakers, buzzing sounds from the outlets and burn marks and smells on the power outlets. To fix a short circuit, you will need an industrial electrician who can fix the fault with minimal disruption of operations. 

3. Low and High Voltage 

Industrial electrical systems often experience low voltage or high voltage. Low voltage is when the electrical current entering a building is lower than the normal levels. This causes dimming of lights, intermittent outages and underperformance of appliances. It may also cause overheating or malfunctioning equipment. 

The effects of low voltage are similar to those of the electrical issues mentioned above. As such, it is prudent to call an industrial electrician to inspect the system in order to determine the cause of the low voltage issue. 

On the other hand, high voltage is when the voltage is more than the system is designed to handle. Every electrical system has its voltage value, and when the voltage surpasses this value, it can cause massive damage. The leading causes of this problem are lightning and switching impulses. However, it may also arise from arcing, insulation failure, and resonance. High voltage should be addressed immediately, as it reduces the lifespan of your equipment. 

An industrial electrical system should remain in good condition given its essential role in the production process. Therefore, if your system exhibits any of the faults discussed above, call an electrician to unearth and fix the problem.



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About Me

Carrying Out Home Electrical Repairs The electrical systems in your home can seem pretty complicated. However, it doesn't have to be this way. On this blog, we will be exploring the fascinating world of home electrical repairs. I will guide you through various tasks such as how to map out the wiring in your home and how to find a fault. I will also look at some of the warning signs that your home has an electrical problem. While I'm not a qualified electrical contractor, I do have a passion for this subject. I watch lots of YouTube vids and read everything I can find online about this subject.

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