“Short circuit” is one of those electrical terms everyone’s heard but few people can actually explain. Here’s what it means, why it happens, and what to do if you suspect one.
Electricity is meant to flow along a specific path, through your wiring, into an appliance, and back. A short circuit happens when the current finds an unintended shortcut, usually because a live wire touches a neutral wire or an earthed surface directly, bypassing the normal load.
Why a Short Circuit Is Dangerous
Because the current suddenly has a much easier, lower-resistance path to follow, the amount of current flowing spikes dramatically in an instant. This surge generates heat extremely quickly and is a common cause of electrical fires if not stopped immediately by a breaker or fuse.
Short circuits are usually caused by damaged or worn insulation on a cable, a faulty appliance, pests chewing through wiring, or wiring that’s been nicked or damaged during other work like renovations.
Signs You May Have One
A breaker that trips instantly and repeatedly, a burning smell, scorch marks around an outlet or switch, or a sudden loss of power in part of your home can all point to a short circuit.
What Sets Us Apart
50+ Years of Proven Experience
Established in Auckland since 1974, French Electrical has been trusted across the region for over 50 years. Our team of registered Master Electricians delivers work that's built to last every time.
24/7 Emergency Response
Electrical breakdowns don't keep business hours. French Electrical provides round-the-clock emergency response for residential, commercial and industrial clients across Auckland, responding fast to minimise downtime and protect your property.
SiteWise 100 Certified
French Electrical holds SiteWise 100 certification — New Zealand's highest contractor health and safety rating. This is required by many commercial, industrial and government clients and reflects our commitment to safe worksite practice.
$20,000 Workmanship Guarantee
As Master Electricians Quality Assured members, every job we complete is backed by a $20,000 workmanship guarantee — one of the strongest protections available for electrical work in New Zealand. You're covered.
If you suspect a short circuit, don’t keep resetting the breaker to “see if it works”, this can allow the fault to arc again each time. Leave the circuit switched off and call a registered electrician to find and repair the fault safely.
French Electrical has been diagnosing and fixing electrical faults across Auckland since 1974, including emergency callouts. If you think you have a short circuit, our team can track it down and repair it properly. For general guidance on electrical safety at home, see WorkSafe New Zealand’s advice on electrical hazards.