Electrical faults can happen suddenly and without warning, potentially leading to fires, electric shocks, or property damage. While many people think of “faults” as one broad category, they actually come in different forms. Three of the most common—and dangerous—types are short circuits, ground faults, and arc faults.
At RCD Electrical, our expert electricians are trained to identify and distinguish between these issues using specialised equipment and years of hands-on experience. Below, we explain what each fault is, how they differ, and why professional diagnosis and repair are essential.
What is a Short Circuit?
A short circuit occurs when two conductors that should not be in contact—usually the live (hot) wire and neutral wire—touch or come too close. This creates an extremely low-resistance path, allowing a sudden surge of current to flow through the circuit.
Key signs of a short circuit include:
Short circuits are one of the most common causes of electrical fires. That’s why circuit breakers or fuses are in place—to cut power immediately when a short is detected.
What is a Ground Fault?
A ground fault happens when a live (hot) wire touches a grounded part of a system, such as a metal conduit, appliance casing, or the earth itself. Unlike a short circuit, this fault sends electricity directly to earth rather than through the neutral wire.
Ground faults are especially dangerous in:
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Bathrooms and kitchens
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Outdoor circuits
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Wet environments
That’s why these areas often require RCD protection (Residual Current Devices), which trip quickly if they detect leakage of current to ground, potentially saving lives.
Common causes include:
What is an Arc Fault?
An arc fault is when electricity jumps or “arcs” through the air between conductive materials—usually due to a loose or corroded connection. These faults produce extreme heat, and although they may not trip a standard breaker, they pose a high fire risk.
Typical causes include:
Arcing often occurs intermittently, making it harder to detect. That’s where Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) come in—they’re designed to trip when an arc is detected, offering an additional layer of protection.
How Are They Different?
| Fault Type |
What Happens |
Common Causes |
Protection Method |
| Short Circuit |
Live and neutral touch, high current |
Damaged wires, loose terminals |
Circuit breakers or fuses |
| Ground Fault |
Live contacts earth, unsafe path |
Moisture, bad insulation |
RCDs (Residual Current Devices) |
| Arc Fault |
Electric arc jumps through air |
Frayed cables, loose parts |
AFDDs (Arc Fault Devices) |
Each of these faults behaves differently, requires different detection methods, and can have vastly different outcomes if not addressed promptly.
How RCD Electrical Handles These Faults
Our certified engineers at RCD Electrical use precise tools to locate and differentiate between short circuits, ground faults, and arc faults. These include:
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Insulation resistance testers for ground faults
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Multimeters and loop impedance testers for short circuits
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Thermal imaging and load monitoring for suspected arc faults
In addition, we conduct a full safety inspection and ensure that all circuit protection devices are appropriate, up to date, and working as intended.
Once the root cause is found, we repair or replace the faulty wiring or devices and provide a written report with any further safety recommendations.
Protecting Your Property from Future Faults
Faults don’t always announce themselves with sparks and smoke. Sometimes, they’re hidden behind the walls, quietly compromising your safety.
RCD Electrical recommends:
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Routine EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports)
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Installation of RCDs and AFDDs where appropriate
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Professional inspection after flooding or renovations
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Avoiding DIY electrical repairs or quick fixes
With expert guidance and proactive maintenance, you can drastically reduce the chance of encountering any of these faults again.
Need expert fault finding? Call RCD Electrical today: 02034882928
Email: info@rcdelectrician.co.uk