Maybe you’ve seen a science experiment in which electricity jumps from one point to another. While it may look cool and interesting, do you want this happening in your home? The answer is no. That’s because it can be a major fire hazard and could lead to severe damage to your home.

Understanding Electrical Arcs

An electrical arc is an electrical current that crosses a gap between two electrodes. Think of an electrical circuit in which electricity flows. If there is a break in that circuit, the electricity may still be able to flow if it can jump over the area where there is no connection.

An arc can allow electricity to flow along a path that’s not safe, and the flash can ignite certain materials that it comes across. It could ignite gas or even dust. The heat of an electrical arc can produce extremely hot temperatures that could be over 10,000 degrees. This could certainly melt the insulation on the wiring. Obviously, once there is any type of ignition, the issue could become very dangerous very quickly.

Causes of Electrical Arcs

In a home, there could be a few different reasons why an electrical arc would be created. The wiring could be severed or disconnected, or the insulation on the wiring could be damaged. An electrical cabinet could be damaged as well. Finally, the equipment itself could be faulty, or too many fuses were put in an electrical panel.

It can be hard for the average person to identify an issue in their wiring. When it comes to electricity, it’s always better to be safe and call a professional. GVEC has a team of licensed electricians available to assist you with electrical maintenance or repair needs in Sequin, TX, or surrounding areas in South Central Texas.

Turn to GVEC

The GVEC electric cooperative was founded in 1938, and over the decades, we’ve focused on delivering more for our electric members and customers in the communities we serve. This means identifying the needs of people in the area and offering services such as AC/heating maintenance, repair, sales, and installation; solar and battery storage solutions; and high-speed internet in addition to professional electrician services. For all your electrician needs, call GVEC at 888.590.7773, or fill out a contact form to schedule an appointment.

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