![]() However, they often overlook why the appliance failed. When house fires occur, the investigating Fire Marshall may point out a faulty appliance as the cause for the fire, and in most cases, they are accurate. Electronic equipment controls voltage in one direction thus, the internal components can overheat or short-circuit when you reverse the electrical flow. Reversed polarity can damage or short-circuit your electronics, including TVs, radios, phones, and computers. If your electronics do not have any mechanism to protect against reverse polarity built into the circuitry, it is only a matter of time before they are damaged. When plugged into an outlet wired incorrectly, reverse polarity can easily damage your electronics. They may also malfunction, such as turning on suddenly without being activated, which can further damage your trusty appliance’s internal circuit. Plugging appliances into reversed polarity outlets is in danger of overheating or shorting out, which can shorten their lifespan. This wiring mistake within outlets can cause household appliances to overheat or damage the internal circuitry and wiring. Reversed polarity can damage or short-circuit your appliances. Outlet tester showing a reverse polarity receptacle Can Reverse Polarity Damage Appliances?Īlthough some modern-day devices have protective mechanisms that protect against reversed polarity, there is still a risk of losing their efficiency and or being damaged. It’s essential to ensure your outlets’ polarity is correct to avoid shock hazards from taking place. Initially, plugging or unplugging the blender can be a shock hazard. The blender can only be off if it is unplugged from the outlet. It would cause the blender to short out because the appliance can remain on when it’s supposed to be off. The same shock hazard can occur when you touch a small appliance with reverse polarity.Īn example of how reversed polarity can be dangerous is when you plug a kitchen appliance, such as a blender, into an electric receptacle with reverse polarity. In reversed polarity, both the hot wire and neutral wire get switched, causing the electric current to flow backward, entering the appliance through the neutral terminal instead of the hot terminal, which energizes the appliance even when off.įor example, plugging in a lamp into a reversed polarity outlet causes the light socket to become energized at all times, which can cause a shock hazard when touching the lamp socket to change the light bulb. It flows to the receptacle through the hot wire and then back to the panel through the neutral wire. The switch or circuit breaker controls the power supply of electric current flowing to appliances and other electronic equipment. When the electricity reaches the equipment or tool, it flows to the on-off switch. ![]() Usually, the current flow travels through the hot wire. The electric current flow occurs throughout the receptacle onto the equipment or the plug. What Happens if Polarity is Reversed?īefore we carry on and explain what happens due to reversed polarity, let us explain how electricity typically flows. This article will explain the hazards of reversed polarity and provide information on testing and fixing the problem. In other words, reverse polarity occurs when a receptacle’s wiring is backward. Reverse polarity happens when the installer connects the hot wire on the neutral side and the neutral wire on the hot side. Outlets have a hot side and a neutral side. The white wire is the neutral wire and has zero volts but is essential to the flow of electricity. The black wire or red wire will be the hot wire that carries an electric current to power your devices. ![]() The electrical wiring in our homes is color-coded. Hobbyist & DIY Electronic Devices & Circuits
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