Electrical Car Troubles - Short Circuits & Fried Expectations!

We all know what a short circuit is - a sudden interruption of the flow of electricity. It's not a good thing, especially when it happens in your electric car. In this article, Southgate Ford, serving Dearborn, MI, will look at what can cause a short circuit in an EV and some potential consequences. 

We'll also discuss how auto circuit breakers and fuses protect against shorts and some measures taken to prevent them in electric cars. Stay safe out there! 

What causes short circuits in EVs?

Faulty wire insulation

Faulty wire insulation is standard and can happen when a wire rubs against another wire, when a metal object pinches it, or when it's damaged by heat or corrosion.

Damaged wire connections

When the wires are connected, they create a path for the flow of electricity. If the connection is loose or corroded, it can disrupt that path, causing a short circuit.

Devices that Help in Protecting Your Electric Vehicle from a Short Circuit

Circuit breakers and fuses

Most cars have circuit breakers or fuses to protect your car from short circuits. These devices are designed to "trip" or disconnect the flow of electricity when there is an excess of current flowing through them. 

Pyrotechnic breakers

Many EVs also have pyrotechnic breakers (similar to airbag deployment) to disconnect the battery in the event of an accident. That helps reduce the chances of a short due to physical damage to the vehicle.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

These are devices that can be used to protect against short circuits. These devices are designed to sense a difference in the current flowing through the hot and neutral wires. They will trip and break the connection when this happens, preventing electricity from flowing.

5 Ways to Prevent Short Circuit in EVs

As we mentioned before, a short circuit is caused by a break in the flow of electricity. This can happen for several reasons, but there are some things you can do to prevent it from happening in your home.

• Before you plug in any appliances, be sure to check the outlets for signs of damage, such as sparks or heat.

• Be sure to check for damage, such as frayed wires. Do not use the appliance and report it to your electrician if you see any damage.

• When a storm is headed our way, it's vital to reduce our electrical usage, like unplugging appliances, turning off lights, and avoiding using the stove or oven.

• Perform essential circuit breaker maintenance, including checking the breakers for signs of wear and tear. 

• It's important to schedule an electrical inspection at least once a year. This will allow an electrician to check for potential problems and make sure everything is up to code.

Conclusion:

You can help prevent short circuits and fried expectations by following these tips! 

Thanks for reading! Be sure to get back to us soon for more electrical safety tips. In the meantime, if you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at Southgate Ford, serving Dearborn, MI. We're here to help!