COMMON ELECTRICAL TROUBLES IN THE CIRCUIT

GROUNDED – when a shock hazard is present causes by a leakage or excessive currents.

Ground Fault Interrupter

Ground fault interrupters are designed to protect from electrical shock by interrupting a household circuit when there is a difference in the currents in the "hot" and neutral wires. Such a difference indicates that an abnormal diversion of current from the "hot" wire is occurring. Such a current might be flowing in the ground wire, such as a leakage current from a motor or from capacitors. More importantly, that current diversion may be occurring because a person has come into contact with the "hot" wire and is being shocked. When a circuit is functioning normally, all the return current from an appliance flows through the neutral wire, so the presence of a difference between "hot" and neutral currents represents a malfunction which in some circumstances could produce a dangerous or even lethal shock hazard.

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is an automatic electrical circuit breaking safety device for protection against line-to ground faults. A GFCI offers protection to users of electrical equipment against possible fatal electrical shock from faulty equipment or accidental grounding.

A GFCI constantly monitors current flowing in a circuit to sense any loss of current. If the current flowing through two circuit conductors differs by a very small amount, the GFCI instantly interrupts the current flow to prevent a lethal amount of electricity from reaching the consumer. The consumer may feet a painful shock but will not be electrocuted. Grounding may provide some protection for power equipment and double insulation of newer power tools presents lower risks of electrocution. However, GFCls are the most effective means for protecting consumers against electrical shock hazards.

SHORT CIRCUIT

A short circuit is a type of failure in an electrical circuit caused when the hot wire (black) touches another hot wire or touches a neutral wire (white). It can also be caused if there is a break in a wire or connection.

OPEN CIRCUIT

An open circuit is a broken path for an electrical current due to an open switch or frayed wire. Hence, no complete path for current flow. 

OVERLOAD 

An electrical load that exceeds the available electrical power and will cause heat.

LOOSE CONNECTIONS

When making a connection in a junction box, the length of wire in a box is important. The general rule of thumb is to install six inches of wire in a box in order to have enough to make proper connections.

Loose Wire Connections

Connections of wires should be made with wire nuts and twisted together. Loose connections on switches and outlets pose another problem. When tightening a wire around a terminal screw on a device, bend the stripped wire in a half-moon shape and put the open end towards the right. Tighten the screw in a clockwise motion until tight. This will draw the copper around the screw, thus closing the loop tighter. If you have the open end the other way, the half moon will actually open up a bit, causing the connection to not be as secure.

Loose Connections in Panels

Check the neutral and breaker connections in your panel to be sure they are tight. In this case, be sure to turn off the breakers before you begin. Safety first! A loose neutral will cause flickering lights and has been know to cause dim lighting in homes. Loose connections under breakers will cause the circuit to heat up and sometimes trip the breaker. This too can cause flickering of lights.

Proper Wires Connected to Terminals

Please take time and examine any connections that you make. Connecting a wire to the wrong terminal can cause electrical problems.