Any technical infrastructure wears out over time. In many old buildings, it is in poor or unsatisfactory condition. Leakage currents can occur in electrical networks, which leads to many problems. When high voltage is applied, it can be fatal. Therefore, such a physical phenomenon must be eliminated immediately.
Content
- general information
- Verification methods
- Leak in the car
- Means of protection
general information
No electrical insulation is perfect. Even in the case of complete serviceability, there will be a small leakage current. If its magnitude is of negligible value, it does not pose a particular danger. But with partial or complete violation of isolation, there is a danger to human life. This happens when touched:
- to the electrical engineering building;
- to the plug;
- to the outlet;
- water pipe, etc.
In this case, the human body serves as a conductor and through it the current will go into the ground. The consequences can be different, including death. Also, any leaks will affect power consumption. If they are available, even in the event of a complete shutdown of all devices, the meter will record the costs.
A characteristic sign of a leak is that when you touch the device or pipes, you get the feeling of receiving a weak current discharge. This often happens in the toilet. Both water and plumbing equipment can be "plucked". Another symptom is abnormal energy consumption. The easiest way to track this parameter is by the counter.
Verification methods
The best option for detecting a leak is to use a dedicated megohm meter. But it is unlikely that anyone has it at home. A voltage indicator and a multimeter are more affordable. Leakage can be detected with a special screwdriver only if the device has a metal sheath. To do this, just touch the sting when the device is turned on. If current is detected, the indicator will light up. Do not touch the surface with your hands, as this will lead to bad consequences. It will not be superfluous to check the grounding.
The most reliable way to measure is with a multimeter. It is a small device with two probes. Before use, the resistance is set at around 20 megohms. One sting is fixed on the device body (it is turned off beforehand), the other - on one of the contact pins. If the equipment is in good condition, the resistance is out of scale. In the case of other indicators, the equipment must be returned for repair or disposed of.
Previously, the check was carried out using a banal radio receiver. It was put on long and medium waves, and the receiving frequency was on a silent station, after which all devices were turned off, and the device was carried near the walls. A phonil receiver near problem areas.
Sometimes the leak may be in the wiring itself. In this case, electric shocks are possible when plastering walls or gluing wallpaper. This phenomenon occurs due to a decrease in the insulation level. The main factors include:
-
exceeding the permissible service life - this is typical for old houses, where the entire infrastructure has already outlived itself; - violation of the modes of use - during an overload, the conductors heat up, which leads to a violation of the integrity of the shells;
- mechanical damage - appears in the event of improper installation or when drilling walls.
If you find any insulation problems, it is important to fix them right away. To do this, it is better to contact qualified specialists.
Leak in the car
Often, problems arise in a car, regardless of its make and condition. Current leaks invariably drain the battery quickly. Its main task is to start the motor. and providing power to the internal network (in cases where the generator cannot cope with this).
The battery can drain quickly for various reasons. Most often this occurs due to oxidation of the terminals, incorrectly connected signaling, damage to the insulation. A multimeter will help to detect a leak in such a situation.
To eliminate it, it is better to contact specialized services, where specialists will carry out the necessary repairs.
Means of protection
Current leaks occur imperceptibly and can have unpleasant health consequences when detected. To prevent such situations, you need to use a residual current device and differential circuit breakers.
In case of exceeding the maximum permissible indicators, the devices stop supplying energy. This allows you to secure the room and prevent power surges. Products come in different types and characteristics. Certain RCD models are selected for apartments or private houses. You should not save on their purchase, as low-quality devices will not help and will be useless in emergency situations.
Differential automatic device allows you not to turn off the full power supply, but only certain areas. Therefore, its use is preferable.
