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Question

difference between overloading and short circuiting

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Solution

Overload is a condition when current is higher than system/ equipment nominal rated current. The flow of current is occurring through intended path. An equipment can bear temporary overload situation depending upon its design. ( e.g. if a motor is designed for rated current of 100A, it can bear temporary overload situation of say 105A). Overload if not cleared within time may result short circuit condition.

Short circuit is a condition when current flows through unintended path. Current magnitude is very high (depending upon system configuration like type of earthing etc) Such conditions are very severe for electrical systems. It should be detected and cleared as soon as possible to minimize damage.

Key Differences Between Short Circuit and Overload
  1. The short circuit means the voltage at the fault points reduces to zero and the large current starts flowing through the circuit whereas in the overloaded condition the load greater than the suitable value are applied to the system.
  2. The voltage at the short circuit decreases to zero, whereas in the overloaded condition the voltages reduce, but it cannot be zero.
  3. During the short circuit, the resistance of the path of current becomes low due to which the heavy current flow through the circuit whereas in overload condition the magnitude of the current is high but appreciably low as compared to short circuit current.
  4. The short circuit occurs in the system when the neutral and the live wire comes in contact with each other, whereas overload occurs when the number of electrical equipment connects to the same socket
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