There are different types of faults in electrical system and causes of the electrical faults. In this note we are going to know about these faults which are happened in electrical power system. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, an one stop solution for Diploma Engineering Notes for Polytechnic Students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is Electrical Faults?
Abnormal circumstances or disturbances that arise inside an electrical system and cause deviations from normal functioning are referred to as electrical faults. These errors may result in device damage, power supply interruptions, and possible safety risks. Anomalies of all kinds, including open circuits, short circuits, over currents, ground faults, and arc faults, are all considered electrical defects.
In this note, we are going to discuss about the Short Circuit Faults and Open Circuit Faults.
Types of Faults in Electrical System
There are basically two types of faults in electrical system –
1. Short Circuit Faults
When two conductors with different voltages establish a low-resistance route, an electrical short circuit fault develops. An excessive quantity of electricity can flow via this low-resistance route, endangering safety and possibly damaging equipment. A short circuit may occur for a number of reasons, including faulty insulation, broken equipment, or inadvertent contact between wires.
A short circuit causes the current to travel directly between the conductors instead of via its intended path, which frequently causes a sudden spike in current flow and possible component overheating. In order to protect humans and the electrical system from harm, protective devices like fuses and circuit breakers are made to swiftly identify and interrupt short circuits.
Causes of Short Circuit Faults
- Insulation Failure: Age, mechanical stress, and environmental conditions can all cause the insulation surrounding electrical wires to deteriorate over time. A short circuit may result from insulation failure since it leaves a direct path for current to travel between conductors.
- Accidental Contact: Physical contact between wires with different voltages can cause a short circuit. This might occur as a result of poor installation, maintenance errors, or inadvertent damage to cables or wires during building or repair work.
- Overloading: Overloading electrical circuits beyond their rated capacity can result in excessive current flow, overheating, and even insulation breakdown or component failure, culminating in a short circuit.
2. Open Circuit Faults
An open circuit defect in an electrical system occurs when a conductor is broken or interrupted, stopping electricity from flowing through the circuit. In layman’s words, it’s an interruption in the electrical channel that stops electricity from completing its intended circuit.
An open circuit fault occurs when the circuit is incomplete, preventing current from flowing through it. This can cause a loss of power to linked devices or equipment, leading to operational disturbances or breakdowns. Open circuit faults are normally detected and resolved by identifying the source of the interruption and repairing or replacing the damaged components or connections to restore the electrical path’s continuity.
Causes of Open Circuit Faults
- Physical Damage: A defect with an open circuit can result from damage to cables, wires, or electrical components. The conductors may be bent, stretched, crushed, or sliced as a result of these events.
- Loose Connections: A short circuit or loose connection at a joint, splice, or termination can result in an open circuit issue. Inadequate installation, vibration, thermal expansion, or component age can all lead to loose connections.
- Corrosion: Corrosion of conductors or terminals caused by moisture, humidity, or chemical compounds can damage the electrical connection and result in an open circuit failure.