Isolating short circuits: A short circuit or ‘short’ is caused by accidental connection of differing voltages within a circuit. The typical result is to blow a fuse. This, in turn, leads to the affected circuit being disconnected and the relevant service – say, a tractor light – ‘switching off’. Here are just a few pointers that may help to isolate the area at fault, which is a frustrating job in itself
A ‘short’, typically, blows a fuse, thus isolating any work light or other electric component within the relevant circuit. Although having to replace a fuse can be annoying, this minor frustration is clearly nothing compared to what may happen if there’s no fuse to blow. Picture the fuseless scene: Short circuit heats the wiring; there’s no fuse to blow so the wiring just gets hotter and hotter; and ultimately… fire. That seemingly inconsequential, tiny fuse is in attendance for a reason.
The occasional blown fuse is not necessarilythe result of a much more serious problem. That said, a specific circuit that trips frequently, or immediately its load is switched on, is more than likely to be suffering from a ‘short’ somewhere. A common cause is faulty wiring, which allows the exposed wires from different circuits to touch each other or a positive wire to become earthed. Isolating what is the source of the problem calls for a mix of patience and skill.
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