Explain the effects of each of the following faults in electrical installations: (i) sustained overloading of wiring and equipment, (ii) faulty contacts and connections. (4 marks) craft1 electrical June/July 2020

(i) Sustained overloading of wiring and equipment: When wiring and equipment are subjected to sustained overloading, they can become damaged due to the excess heat generated by the increased current flow. This can cause insulation to break down and potentially lead to electrical fires. The electrical system may also become less efficient and may not function correctly.

(ii) Faulty contacts and connections: Faulty contacts and connections can cause a number of problems in an electrical installation. They can result in high resistance, which can cause heat generation and potentially lead to electrical fires. They can also cause voltage drops, leading to poor performance of electrical equipment and possibly damaging it. In addition, faulty contacts and connections can lead to intermittent power supply and equipment failure.