A short circuit (or "short") is not
normally considered a quality problem as much as it is a dangerous
operational malfunction or fault. Short circuit refers to a condition
where two "hot" lines are connected directly (or through a small
impedance) or one "hot" line is connected directly to ground. A
short circuit causes very high fault currents to flow through the
wiring and all devices between the point of the short and the incoming
power line. Left unchecked, a short circuit can very quickly lead to
catastrophic overheating, melting and burning of wiring and devices. The
opening of a breaker or the operation of a protective fuse is the
normal means of guarding against damage from shorts circuits. It is
imperative that protective breakers and fuses be of the proper size and
characteristics to avoid the dangers of short circuits. Also see Fault
Clearing. |