Short Circuit: What Happens and What Operates It

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of short circuits, exploring what they are, their implications for different circuits, and the mechanisms that lead to increased current flow during such events. The scope includes technical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to electrical circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define a short circuit as a condition where there is little or no resistance, resulting in a large current flow.
  • Others note that excessive current is not a strict requirement for a short circuit, emphasizing that it refers to current taking a shorter path than intended.
  • One participant highlights the dangers of short circuits, mentioning potential overheating and fire hazards due to excessive current.
  • Another participant describes the conditions under which short circuit current is produced, mentioning factors like voltage, load on the circuit, and available power.
  • A link to a resource from the Bussman Fuse company is provided for further exploration of short circuit calculations.
  • There is a question raised about the production of larger current in short circuits, indicating a desire for deeper understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic definition of a short circuit and its implications, but there are differing views on the specifics of current flow and the conditions that define a short circuit.

Contextual Notes

Some statements contain assumptions about the nature of current flow and the definitions of short circuits that may not be universally accepted. The discussion also reflects varying levels of understanding regarding the calculations and implications of short circuits.

observer20
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what is short circuit and wat happens to different circuits when it occurs.wat operates it .
 
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To the best of my knowledge, a short circuit occurs when there is very little or no resistance across a circuit resulting in a very large current generated.

Correct me if i am inaccurate.
 
Correct me if i am inaccurate.

You are perfectly correct.

wat happens to different circuits when it occurs.wat operates it .

Well more current will flow in the circuit than needed. This may result in a fire because a wire can only handle a cirtain amount of current. As more current flows, the wire becomes hotter and then this could lead to a fire. This is why we have fuses and circuit breakers.
 
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A short circuit generally means that current is going somewhere it is not supposed to go. Excessivelyl high current is NOT a requirement in a short circuit condition. The word "SHORT" litterally means that the current is taking the 'short way around the circuit' instead of the intended way.
 
I agree thus far to more as less what has been said. The common meaning for a short circuit is when the anode and cathode of a cell or battery are connected, meaning that there is only the impedance of the wires and Internal resistance of the battery between them. This tends to result in the overloading a cicuit with current often 10^2 (or greater) times more current than normal which leads to heat build up, and then sparks and all sorts of mayhem. Oh and it can seriously screw with your equipment!
 
ok its a larger current current. but how is this larger current produced?
 
short circuit current depends on a few main factors, but not entirely on, the voltage present, the amount of load on the circuit, the power available.

the Bussman Fuse company has a good PDF that runs through short circuit calculations. whether or not you understand the math fully, you can get an idea of what your dealing with with results reaching 10s of thousands and even 100Ks. enjoy

http://www.bussmann.com/library/indcon/System%20available%20fault%20currents.pdf
 
observateur20 said:
ok its a larger current current. but how is this larger current produced?

You came back after 5 years to resurrect your old thread, and changed your user name slightly? Or is something else going on here?
 

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