In the previous part, you get acquainted with the types of commercial wiring troubleshooting. You understand that the most dangerous fault of the electrical system in a commercial building is a two-phase problem. In this article from KCS Group, I give you more complete explanations of this problem and its troubleshooting method. First, I will remind you of the types of short circuits.

Types of short circuits

I know any electrical connection without the presence of resistance as a connection. In this way, in a commercial or residential building, if the phase and neutral wires come into contact with each other outside of the standard and defined equipment, a short circuit will occur.

Of course, it can appear in different ways. In a general classification, I can categorize the types of short circuits as follows:

• Direct connection of phase to neutral
• Direct connection of the phase to the ground
• Phase-to-phase connection in three-phase distribution systems
• Connecting all three phases

For all types of short circuits, it is necessary to use special equipment such as a current leakage switch (lifeguard) in the design of buildings because a fundamental and completely safe way to control all types of electrical connections is to compare the current level from phase and neutral. 

KCS Group’s experienced specialists can quickly diagnose and fix your commercial electricity short circuit problem using high knowledge and quality equipment. As a result, you can predict the probability of a short circuit by detecting any difference in this flow. We guarantee the safety of your building.

How to find a power short circuit?

Note that the first character in commercial wiring troubleshooting is fast switch operation. A short circuit means that the phase and neutral wires are connected somewhere in a building that you overlook. In such a case, many currents will pass through the wiring, and finally, the miniature switch (building fuse) will operate quickly. Otherwise, the problem will be something other than a short circuit.

After ensuring a short circuit somewhere in the building, you need to find it. But it takes work. You almost have to do complete home monitoring. I recommend you a simple call to KCS Group support.

In the process of commercial wiring troubleshooting, the short circuit is likely from electrical devices in the building. It is necessary to disconnect all the electrical equipment from the current. This equipment includes all electrical components outside the building’s electrical system. Be sure to unplug all tees, mobile cords, and devices.

Now, if there is no short circuit in the building after removing all the equipment, you must look for it in one of these pieces of equipment. You must plug in all the equipment step by step to know which one is broken.

Remove any of the distribution lines in the building and check the health of the main supply line of the building. But if you still see a short circuit after removing all the equipment, you must look for the problem inside the electrical wiring. For this purpose, you must start from the electrical panel of the building.

Often the first step in commercial wiring troubleshooting is to locate the feed lines in the building. If you don’t see a fault in the main power line, you have no choice but to check all the power lines in the building separately. If you see a short circuit in any of these lines, you should finally find its point by removing the healthy parts step by step.

Two-phase electricity

The danger caused by the two-phase electricity of the building is aimed at the systems and equipment, like chillers, transformers, elevators, and water pumps that work in the building with three-phase electricity. This equipment generally works in large buildings with three-phase motors.

Two-phase electricity is a potential hazard for three-phase motors and can quickly cause them to overheat and even burn out. The solution uses phase control, which provides the necessary protections.

But you may also face this problem in a building with single-phase electricity. Two-phase electricity in a building with single-phase electricity occurs when both phase and neutral wires have voltage. In such a case, the neutral wire is present in the building as an electrified wire.

Generally, you can witness two types of two-phase phenomena:

Real two-phase electricity

It is when the electricity input in the building is 380 volts instead of 220 volts. In fact, instead of seeing phase and neutral wires in the building, the two-phase have happened in the building. Such a phenomenon is not a part of commercial wiring troubleshooting because it occurs due to mistakes or failures of the distribution network outside of the building’s electricity. But at the same time, it can cause heavy damage to electrical equipment. A logical way to prevent this accident is to use a variety of electrical protectors.

Unreal two-phase electricity in the building

It happens when the neutral is cut off in the building, and the cut wire has an unreal phase due to the induction of the phase wire. So, both cables in the outputs of the building, such as sockets, are phase. The main reasons for this phenomenon are:

• Connecting in the meter or fuse board
• Interchangeable connection in the keys
• Disconnection of the neutral wire
• Connection between sensors

Please properly connect high-use equipment such as air conditioners, electric heaters, welding machines, and other high-use electrical devices.

Power outage in commercial building

In commercial wiring troubleshooting, you will see many cases where the electricity in a part of the house is cut off without any particular reason or possible danger. In such a case, neither a high current nor a connection exists. The cause of the power cut is a weak connection or the wire is broken along the path of the electric current.

The cause of a building’s power outage shows itself locally—for example, a room without electricity or a lamp that does not turn on. The power cut is usually due to the wire being cut off, the connection behind the socket, or the loose lamp head, which will show itself.

Last word

The most important thing to consider during commercial wiring troubleshooting is to seek the help of experienced and skilled people like the team at KCS Group. Only qualified technicians can solve your electrical problems with the least cost and time and ensure the safety of your building.