short circuit hypothesis definition

Amendments to Linguistic Interdependence Hypothesis: Moderating Role of Affective Variables in L1 (Persian)-L2 (English) Academic Reading Relationship

• First Online: 18 September 2021

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• Seyed Hassan Talebi 10 &
• Javad Fallahi 11  

Part of the book series: Language Policy ((LAPO,volume 25))

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Cross-language transfer (CLT) studies have shifted their narrow focus from merely linguistic to a much broader perspective which sets the premium on the contribution of the non-linguistic factors of the first language to the development of the second language, particularly in the reading skill. Despite such advancement in theory, a fairly large number of reading studies in this line of inquiry tend to be heavily relied on cognitive and linguistic transfer from L1 to L2 and do not further extend, in consequence, the scope of CLT to integrate affective considerations into their framework. Employing a critical content analysis of the available literature, the chapter primarily addresses the particularities of developing L1-L2 literacy in the context of Iran and then moves on to elaborate the dual nature of language proficiency alongside the relationship of languages in one mind with a reference to some seminal work such as Cummins’ (Rev Edu Res 49:222–251, 1979) basic interpersonal communicative skills (BICS), cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP), and linguistic interdependence hypothesis (LIH) and Cook’s (Lang Learn 42:557, 1992) notion of multi-competence. On the bases of the critical review of the literature on L1-L2 reading, we lean, in consequence, towards a novel proposal that not only reaffirms the long-established interdependence of reading across languages, but also elevates the construct of interdependence to one which integrates affective variables that moderate the relationship between L1 and L2 reading. The chapter concludes by offering a more rigorous framework for future direction of CLT studies which includes linguistic, cognitive and, of course affective variables into consideration and finally a number of practical suggestions for L1 reading teachers.

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Talebi, S.H., Fallahi, J. (2021). Amendments to Linguistic Interdependence Hypothesis: Moderating Role of Affective Variables in L1 (Persian)-L2 (English) Academic Reading Relationship. In: Aghdassi, A. (eds) Perspectives on Academic Persian. Language Policy, vol 25. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75610-9_3

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Short circuit hypothesis

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The short circuit hypothesis is a hypothesis of second language reading that proposes that L2 readers must reach a threshold level before being able to transfer reading skills to L2 reading; otherwise, insufficient L2 knowledge will “short-circuit” their reading systems. It was proposed by Mark A. Clarke [1]

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• Teflpedia glossary entry Short circuit hypothesis was last edited on 7 March 2024, at 05:39. 🔖Cite this page: General info - Specific citation 🔍 General search tools : Bing - DuckDuckGo - Google 🔍 Academic search tools : ERIC - Google Scholar - Semantic Scholar
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The Short Circuit Hypothesis of ESL Reading - Or When Language Competence Interferes with Reading Performance

1980, The Modern Language Journal

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In the last few years, much discussion has been centred on the importance of the reader's contribution, in the form of his background/prior knowledge or schemata, to the reading process. To attain meaning, the reader has to interact with and reconstruct the text he is reading with what already exists in his head. Contrary to earlier speculations, the reader is an active participant in his attempt to make sense of what he is reading. Failure to comprehend a text may be attributed to the reader not having the appropriate schemata. It may also be prompted by insufficient clues provided by the author to invoke the appropriate schemata (Rumelhart, 1977). Implicit in this model of reading is the tacit assumption that the reader already knows the language of the text, and does not encounter decoding problems. Can this model of reading, then, be applicable to non-native readers?

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Successful reading comprehension in L2 1 involves both lower and higher level processes, being dependant on both strategies and skills. These two components are often treated interchangeably or inconsistently in the literature and such inconsistency may affect the teaching of reading. In light of the above, this paper aims at analysing how strategies and skills are developed in a series of ESL textbooks. In order to do so, a framework was developed to classify the activities as sustaining reading strategies or reading skills. A quantitative analysis was also carried out in order to better understand the frequency each construct occurred in the textbooks. The results showed that strategies and skills are used interchangeably in the series. Furthermore, strategies outnumbered skills, no linearity was found between them, that is, there seemed to be no longitudinal process of working with strategies in a way to enable them to become skills in order to foster independent readers. Resumo O sucesso da compreensão na leitura em L2 envolve tanto processos de baixo como de alto nível, sendo os mesmos dependentes de estratégias e habilidades. Esses dois conceitos são normalmente utilizados de forma intercambiável entre si e tratados de forma inconsistente na literatura, sendo que tal inconsistência pode vir a afetar o ensino de leitura. Com base nesse fato, esse artigo tem o objetivo de analisar como estratégias e habilidades são desenvolvidas em uma série de livros de inglês como segunda língua. Para alcançar tal objetivo, um framework foi desenvolvido para classificar as atividades que fomentam´estratégiasóúhabilidades´defomentam´estratégiasóúhabilidades´fomentam´estratégiasóúhabilidades´de leitura. Com o intuito de estabelecer a frequência de cada um desses conceitos na série de livros uma análise quantitativa foi realizada. Os resultados apontam que os conceitos de estratégias e habilidades são utilizados de forma intercambiável na série. Também, a presença de estratégias foi mais frequente do que habilidades e não há uma sequência linear entre esses dois conceitos, isto é, parece não haver um processo longitudinal de forma a trabalhar estratégias para que elas se tornem habilidades a fim de desenvolver leitores independentes. Palavras-chave: estratégias de leitura. habilidades de leitura. livro didático. ISL. compreensão de leitura.

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What is a short circuit?

Electricity taking the easiest path

Children are told: never stick a metal knife into a plugged-in toaster. You risk electrocution, or the toaster catching on fire.

The fear: a short circuit. For the heater inside a toaster to work, an electrical current must travel inside its conductive metal material. That current cycles through a closed circuit, which is a loop. A metal knife, however, presents the electricity with an optional path to travel — and it will take it.

“A short circuit is a connection between two parts of an electrical circuit that you don’t want to be there,” says Karl Berggren, professor of electrical engineering in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He also heads the Quantum Nanostructures and Nanofabrication Group in the Research Laboratory for Electronics.

“When you build an electrical circuit, you try to make the current go through certain paths to perform certain functions,” he explains. “In the case of a toaster, when you introduce a knife to the heating element, it provides the current with a short cut. This new path is easier than moving through the heating element, which has a lot of resistance to the flow.”

So what exactly happens when the electricity changes course. First of all, Berggren says, your toaster stops working. “Your device will not function as intended because the current is not going where it is supposed to go,” he says. And then it gets worse, very, very quickly. “Because the metal object causing a short in the circuit is more conductive, a lot of current can flow into it.” Within milliseconds, the current can become thousands of times larger than normal. Boom.

So watch out when a tree limb shorts across wires on a power line. Wet wood is the perfect low-resistance path for an electrical current — and we know what that means. Heat and sparks and trouble ahead…

Posted: November 11, 2017

Short Circuit

A short circuit is an electrical fault where a conductive path (usually of low impedance) is formed between two or more conductive parts of an electrical system (e.g. phase-phase, phase-earth, phase-neutral, etc). This article looks at the nature of short circuits and tries to break down and explain the constituent parts of fault currents. Note that the terms "short circuit" and "fault" are often used interchangeably.

In most networks, a short circuit is similar to the closing transient of an RL circuit , where the R and L components are the impedances of the source(s). The transient characteristics of short circuit currents vary depending on whether they are near or far from synchronous generators. The sections below describe the two general types of short circuits:

Near-to-Generator Short Circuit

From the above equation, it can be seen that the short circuit current can be broken up into an aperiodic current (dc component of the short circuit):

And a series of three damped sinusoidal waveforms corresponding to the following distinct stages:

This period typically lasts 10 to 20ms from the start of the fault. The subtransient reactance is due to the flux casued by the stator currents crossing the air gap and reaching the rotor surface or amortisseur / damper windings.

This period typically lasts 100 to 400ms after the subtransient period. The transient reactance occurs when all the damping currents in the rotor surface or amortisseur / damper windings have decayed, but while the damping currents in the field winding are still in action.

The steady-state occurs after the transient period when all the damping currents in the field windings have decayed, and essentially remains until the fault is cleared.

Putting these all together, we get the familiar near-to-generator short circuit waveform:

Far-from-Generator Short Circuit

In short circuits occurring far from synchronous generators, we can ignore the effects of the generator subtransient behaviour. It can be shown through transient circuit analysis that the maximum far-from-generator short circuit is as follows:

We can see that there are two components:

Putting these together, we get the total far-from-generator fault current:

During the transient period, the peak transient current is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than the peak steady state current.

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How does a short circuit affect an electrical circuit? Answer : A short circuit occurs when a low-resistance path is created between two points in an electrical circuit that are not supposed to be directly connected. This path allows a large amount of current ... system, it is crucial to address it immediately and seek the assistance of a qualified electrician....

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How does a "transformer short-circuit impedance" affect system stability? Answer : A "transformer short-circuit impedance" refers to the impedance seen by the transformer when its secondary winding is short-circuited while the primary winding is energized. It is an important ... design, planning, and operation of power systems to ensure adequate system stability and protection....

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How does a "transformer short-circuit impedance" affect system performance? Answer : A "transformer short-circuit impedance" refers to the impedance that a transformer presents to the electrical circuit when its secondary winding is short-circuited, meaning that a low ... system stability, thereby affecting the performance and reliability of the entire power distribution system....

How does a "transformer short-circuit impedance" affect fault currents? Answer : A "transformer short-circuit impedance" refers to the inherent impedance or impedance characteristic of a transformer when a short circuit fault occurs in the system. When a short circuit fault ... impedance is essential for maintaining the stability, safety, and reliability of the power system....

How does a "transformer short-circuit impedance" affect fault currents? Answer : A "transformer short-circuit impedance" refers to the inherent impedance of a transformer's windings and core when a short circuit fault occurs in the system. This impedance plays a ... conditions and designing protective schemes to ensure the reliable and safe operation of the power system....

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Short circuit: types, causes, and preventive measures.

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A short circuit occurs when there is a low-resistance connection between two conductors that supply electricity to a circuit. As a result, the power supply would experience an excessive current flow and excess voltage streaming. The electricity will flow along a "short" path, which causes a short circuit.

Electricity prefers to choose the path of least resistance. Copper is utilized for electrical cables because it transmits electricity effectively, whereas materials like wood or fiber would be ineffective for wiring as they resist electricity. Steel and iron are also poor wiring materials; however, they are better than wood or fiber.

Electric current can leak inside the wiring under specific situations, such as broken or loose electrical wiring. When this happens, the electric currents attempt to return to the ground by taking a shorter path. 

However, certain risks are associated with the route, including the possibility of electrical shocks, which can be fatal in some cases due to the passage of current through extremely flammable material.

When dealing with loose wiring, damaged wire, or faulty wiring, the current will always go to the path with the least resistance, which includes the bodies of those who contact the switch.

Causes of Electrical Short Circuit

The major reasons for electrical short circuits include the following:

• Wires being chewed through by pests or vermin
• If an electrical wire comes in contact with water or other fluids
• Faulty connection in the electrical wiring of appliances
• Old or damaged outlets, switches, lights, appliances, or other electrical devices
• Abnormal build-up of electrical currents
• Walls pierced by nails or screws come into contact with live electrical lines.

Types of Short Circuits

The two types of electrical short circuits are:

1. Normal Short Circuit

The normal short circuit occurs when a hot wire carrying current hits a neutral wire. As a result, the resistance will decrease immediately, and a significant amount of current will flow in a different direction.

2. Ground Fault Short Circuit

A ground fault short circuit happens when a live wire carrying current comes in contact with a grounded system section. A metal wall box that is grounded, bare ground wire, or a grounded area of an appliance are all examples of this.

Signs of an Electrical Short Circuit

Burning smell coming from outlets or burn marks.

If the outlet has burn marks or smells like something is burning, this might be a sign of a short circuit. This is often caused by an overloaded circuit and may pose a fire risk.

Buzzing and popping sounds from the outlet

Another sign to watch for is if the outlet makes a buzzing or popping sound. This may also be caused by an overloaded circuit, which is quite concerning.

Sparks emitted by the circuit

Another sign of an electrical short circuit is sparks coming from the outlet. Sparks indicate an excessively high current flow across the circuit, which might be hazardous.

Preventive Measures of an Electrical Short Circuit

• Watch out for any indications of malfunctioning outlets. A short circuit may happen if there are damaged wires, loose box connections, or if the outlet is older than 15 to 25 years old. 
• A short circuit may also be caused by faulty appliance wiring or cracks. Necessary steps should be taken immediately to fix or replace the faulty equipment.
• Avoid using multiple sockets at once and overloading any one plug since doing so might cause a fire or a short circuit.
• Lightning strikes may cause dangerous short circuits due to the amount of electricity they carry. One should avoid using electricity during storms to prevent short circuits and avoid power surges.
• An electrical short circuit can also be avoided by installing a few devices, namely:
• Fuses : Fuses are used to avoid damage from excessive current flow. It consists of a strip or wire of metal that melts when a high current travels across it and breaks the circuit.

• Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker is a switching equipment that stops an abnormal flow of current in a circuit. It senses any variations in the current flow using an internal system of springs or compressed air. It will "break" the circuit open and stop the current flow.

• Poly Switch or Resettable Fuse: Resettable fuses, also known as poly fuses, multi fuses, and poly switches, are passive electrical components intended to protect electronic circuits from overcurrent issues.

• RCCB OR RCD: Residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs) are a type of safety device that detects an issue with the home's power supply and shut it down in 10 to 15 milliseconds to avoid electric shock.

• Inrush Current Limiter: Inrush current limiters are one electrical component intended to prevent severe damage to equipment and the blowing of fuse.

• Lightning Protection: This lightning protection is made of a metal oxide varistor (MOV) that functions as a discharge tube.

• Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): The amount of electricity flowing into and out of a circuit is compared using GFCI technology. The GFCI will turn off the electricity if there is a ground fault or an imbalance in the currents coming in and going out.

• Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): Once an arc is detected, an AFCI will immediately shut off the power to the circuit. By doing so, electrical fires are reduced.

The major reasons for electrical short circuits include the following: 1. Wires being chewed through by pests or vermin 2. If an electrical wire comes in contact with water or other fluids 3. Faulty connection in the electrical wiring of appliances 4. Old or damaged outlets, switches, lights, appliances, or other electrical devices 5. Abnormal build-up of electrical currents 6. Walls pierced by nails or screws come into contact with live electrical lines.

The signs of an electrical short circuit are: 1. Burning smell coming from outlets or burn marks If the outlet has burn marks or smells like something is burning, this might be a sign of a short circuit. This is often caused by an overloaded circuit and may pose a fire risk. 2. Buzzing and popping sounds from the outlet Another sign to watch for is if the outlet makes a buzzing or popping sound. This may also be caused by an overloaded circuit, which is quite concerning. 3. Sparks emitted by the circuit Another sign of an electrical short circuit is sparks coming from the outlet. Sparks indicate an excessively high current flow across the circuit, which might be hazardous.

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What is a Short Circuit?

The term “short circuit” is one that even people outside of the field of electricity are surely familiar with. We’re all warned as children not to put our fingers or a fork near an outlet, lest we risk causing a short circuit. But what exactly is a short circuit? The answer isn’t so straight-forward. There are actually multiple different types of short circuits! But luckily, protecting against a short circuit is quite easy, whether you’re at home or on the job site.

Short Circuit Definition & Example

Often, the phrase “short circuit” is used as an umbrella term to refer to any problem with wiring within an electrical circuit. What truly happens within a short circuit is a bit more complicated. In a normal electrical circuit, there is a specified pathway through which the electricity is intended to run, called a closed circuit or a “loop.” When some object or material gets into the circuit and presents a shorter pathway for the electricity to complete the journey, a short circuit occurs.

Let’s present the classic example of sticking a knife into the toaster to retrieve a piece of bread that’s stuck. The toaster is wired to move energy throughout the heating element. But when the metal knife is introduced, the energy is rerouted through the knife instead of the closed loop of the circuit. The current finds it easier and faster to travel into the knife as opposed to the longer flow of the closed circuit. Of course, the current flows through the knife to then impact the person who is holding the utensil, which is where the potential danger comes in.

What Causes a Short Circuit?

Short circuits have a variety of causes, but there are three primary culprits: faults in the appliance’s wiring, faults in the insulation of the circuit wire, and loose wire connections.

Wiring faults in either an appliance or in the circuit itself can potentially cause a short circuit. Appliances can develop short circuits internally over time or if they get broken. Some smaller devices can be rewired by the user, but bigger appliances like dishwashers need to be inspected by a professional. Insulation in one’s home or workplace can also get damaged or simply suffer from old age, making it more susceptible to a short circuit.

Even if a device or circuit is not old or damaged, the attachments of the wires might become loose. In these scenarios, there is a greater possibility for live and neutral wires to come into contact with one another and cause a short circuit. The repair of these situations should certainly be left up to a professional.

Types of Short Circuits

There are two different types of short circuits to be aware of: the broad term of “short circuit” and the more specific term of “ground fault.”

“Short circuit” typically refers to a scenario in which a hot wire (one carrying a live current) comes in contact with a neutral wire (carrying no current). There’s instantly less resistance, so the current takes its shortcut, often resulting in sparks and sometimes flame and smoke.

A “ground fault,” on the other hand, is a more precise version of a short circuit. Here, the hot wire touches a portion of the system that is grounded (essentially, something with direct access to the ground). These situations still cause a quick decrease in resistance and can carry a large risk of shock, though fire is not as common.

Dangers of a Short Circuit

When we typically think about a short circuit, we might imagine someone getting shocked or perhaps having to deal with a small kitchen fire. But the potential implications of a short circuit can be much worse than that, especially on a worksite. In a short circuit, currents start to flow in places where they simply aren’t meant to be, which means there are no protective systems or devices in place.

Even if there are protective devices in place, if a short circuit is big enough, the huge amount of energy released can lead to an explosion in the worst circumstances. Not only is there a risk of damage to your property and home or workplace, but there’s the potential for serious harm to the people nearby.

How to Protect Against Short Circuits

Perhaps the most obvious way to protect against a short circuit is with a circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are essentially standard these days, but in homes built before the 1960s, these devices weren’t as common. Be sure your home or workplace is equipped with a properly working circuit breaker, which can help to cut off the circuit’s connection if a short circuit should occur.

Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) can also help protect your establishment against short circuits. GFCIs are quite common, as ground-fault protection became mandated by electrical codes in the early 1970s. These devices work in much the same way as circuit breakers but are more sensitive and can work more quickly to eliminate a threat. AFCIs weren’t commonplace until the late 1990s; these devices can essentially detect when electricity starts to jump between contact points (typically in the case of a loose wiring situation) and shut off the power before a short circuit ever even occurs.

What is a Short Circuit Study?

Particularly in the workplace, it’s important to try to eliminate the threat of a short circuit before it ever starts. The easiest way to identify and handle these potential situations is by having a short circuit study (sometimes also called a “short circuit analysis”). These studies will help an electrical professional to see where there may be the potential for short circuits within your electrical system, repair any faults that might escalate if left untouched, and increase the overall safety and reliability of your systems and workplace as a whole.

Mark Thomas & Associates Electrical Engineers (MTAEE) is happy to serve California and the West Coast with our thorough short circuit analysis service, along with other studies and power system evaluations that can help you keep your facility or workplace safe.

Contact us today to learn more or to inquire about our services.

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• What is Short Circuit? (Causes, Signs and Prevention)
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Did you know that electrical short circuits are a common cause of house fires, accounting for a significant number of electrical-related incidents each year?

Short circuits occur when electricity strays from its intended path between wires, resulting in a sudden surge in current. This can cause overheating, sparks, and potentially ignite nearby materials, posing serious fire and shock risks.

In this article, we’ll explore what exactly constitutes a short circuit, its typical causes and warning signs, and essential prevention measures to protect against this potentially dangerous electrical issue. Understanding short circuits is crucial for maintaining a safe home environment.

What is Short Circuit ?

Our homes are wired with safety in mind to prevent electrical leaks and shocks. But even the best systems aren’t perfect.

Sometimes, electricity can take an unintended shortcut, called a short circuit. This happens when wires touch or become damaged, creating a low-resistance path for the current. The surge of electricity can overheat wires, damage equipment, and even start fires.

Types of Short Circuit  

Electrical systems can experience two main types of short circuits:

Simple Short Circuit

Ground fault short circuit.

While there are further classifications of short circuits based on the number of wires involved (phases), these distinctions are best left to qualified electricians.

What Causes a Short Circuit ?

Short circuits, a common electrical issue, can happen because of:

• Vermin or pests chewing through wires.
• Water or other fluids touching electrical wiring.
• Loose connections in electrical boxes.
• Aging or damaged outlets, switches, lights, appliances, or other electrical devices.
• Nails or screws accidentally piercing through walls and touching wires.
• Wear and tear on the protective covering of electrical cables.
• Build-up or sudden increases in electrical power.

Signs of a Short Circuit  

• Sparks or flashes coming from outlets, appliances, or wiring.
• A burning smell, especially of rubber or plastic, or visible smoke.
• Melted or warped plastic near outlets, switches, or cords.
• Discolored wires, particularly brown or black, which could indicate overheating and a potential short circuit.
• Flickering or dimming lights.
• Appliances or electronics malfunctioning suddenly or behaving abnormally.
• Unusual buzzing or crackling sounds from electrical components.
• A tingling sensation when you touch electrical equipment

Don’t ignore these signs! While circuit breakers might trip in case of a short circuit, it’s important to address the underlying electrical problem completely to prevent electrical hazards. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to turn off the power and consult a qualified electrician.

How to Prevent Short Circuit? 

To safeguard against the dangers of short circuits, electrical systems rely on three main types of protection:

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCIs are essential safety features commonly found in outlets or circuits. They detect even tiny changes in electrical current and quickly shut off power. Mandated by the Canadian Electric Code since 1971, GFCI protection is now required in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces near water sources.

It’s important to have GFCIs installed by a licensed electrician to ensure they’re set up correctly and safely. Trying to install them yourself can be risky. It’s also a good idea to test them regularly, about once a month, to make sure they’re still working properly.

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

AFCIs are important for preventing electrical fires by shutting down circuits when they detect irregular current flow. They’re required in various areas of the home, like bedrooms and living rooms. AFCIs provide vital protection for both living spaces and appliances, making homes safer overall.

Circuit Breakers

In many homes today, you’ll find electrical service panels with circuit breakers. These breakers control different circuits in your house, keeping things running smoothly. While older homes might still have fuse boxes, circuit breakers have become the norm since the 1960s. They’re designed to detect changes in electrical flow and shut off if there’s a problem, helping to keep your home safe.

Why are Short Circuits Dangerous ?

Short circuits can be a safety concern for two main reasons. The first is the unexpected rise in electricity, which can cause wires to overheat. This overheating can melt wires, damage appliances, and potentially ignite nearby flammable materials, leading to a fire. Secondly, if someone comes into contact with a circuit experiencing a short, they could receive an electrical shock. The sudden flow of electricity can disrupt the heart’s rhythm or cause burns, depending on the severity. Because short circuits can happen quickly and without warning, it’s important to be aware of them to protect your property and yourself.

How to Fix a Short Circuit?

Dealing with short circuits can pose risks. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, it’s best to seek help from a certified electrician. Here’s a structured approach to identifying and resolving short circuits:

Find the Problem Circuit

Turn off the power completely, identify devices on the circuit, look for damage, fixing the problem, test carefully, closing thoughts .

Knowing about short circuits helps you keep your home safe. By being aware of the warning signs and using safety features like GFCIs and AFCIs, you can greatly reduce the chances of electrical fires and shocks. If you’re not comfortable dealing with a possible short circuit yourself, it’s always best to call a licensed electrician to take a look and fix the problem.

FAQ’s

How do i find a short circuit in my house.

Check your breaker panel for tripped breakers. Look for damaged outlets, switches, or appliances on that circuit. If unsure, call an electrician.

Can I use a multimeter to find a short circuit?

Yes, with caution and electrical knowledge. Set it to continuity mode and check for low resistance. If unsure, call an electrician for safety.

Can short circuits cause power outages?

Yes, a short circuit can trip a breaker, causing a localized power outage.

Are there specific safety measures for GFCI outlets during a short circuit?

GFCI outlets automatically cut power during a ground fault, a type of short circuit. They don’t require additional safety measures during a short circuit themself. However, always avoid working with electrical wiring while wet or standing on a wet surface.

D&F Liquidators has been serving the electrical construction materials needs for more than 30 years. It is an international clearinghouse, with 180,000 square facility located in Hayward, California. It keeps an extensive inventory of electrical connectors, conduit fitting, circuit breakers, junction boxes, wire cable, safety switches etc. It procures its electrical materials supplies from top-notch companies across the globe. The Company also keeps an extensive inventory of electrical explosion proof products and modern electrical lighting solutions. As it buys materials in bulk, D&F is in a unique position to offer a competitive pricing structure. Besides, it is able to meet the most discerning demands and ship material on the same day.

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Short Circuit Current

When two or more conductors of different phases come in contact with each other in a power line, power transformer or any other power element, then the part of the impedance is shunted out of the circuit due to which a large current flow in the un-faulted phases, such current is called the short circuit current. Short circuit current reduces the effect of impedance in the circuit while the current in the circuit rises.

Short-circuit current is harmful for two reasons

• The flow of large current will overheat the equipment.
• The flow of short circuit current in the current carrying parts produces a force of electrodynamics interaction which may destroy or damage the equipment.

Whenever a short-circuit occurs in a power network, it causes a heavy current to flow in the circuit. The magnitude of short circuit current is shown in the graph below. During the first moment of the fault current, the current attains to its maximum value and then decreases to its steady state value.

Sustained current is the fault current that will flow in the circuit if it is allowed to persist after the transient process end. I fp is the first peak short circuit current. It is the maximum instantaneous value of the current that will reach during the first moment of a short circuit current. I pc is the rms value of the periodic component of the short-circuited current. During the steady state, the rms value of the short-circuit current remains almost constant.

Related terms:

• Open Circuit and Short Circuit Test on Transformer
• Difference Between Short Circuit & Overload
• Short Circuit Ratio of a Synchronous Machine
• Short Transmission Line
• Difference Between Alternating Current (AC) & Direct Current (DC)

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Article 100 Definitions. Short Circuit.

Code Change Summary: A new definition of the term “Short Circuit” has been added to Article 100.

There are many words and terms in the NEC ® that the electrical industry is assumed to know whether they are defined in the code or not.

The NEC ® has a definition of a “Bathroom” for example. Most would think a bathroom is self-explanatory but, in the NEC ® , specific requirements apply to electrical installations in a bathroom that would not apply to a room that has only a toilet, without a sink.

One would hope that everyone in the electrical industry and beyond understands what an electrical short, or short circuit is without further explanation, but who knows.

A short circuit is a shunt connecting two parts of an electric current so as to carry a greater part of it.

The term “Short Circuit” appears many times throughout the NEC ® but without a definition, the Code reader must rely on other publications to determine the definition of this term.

In the 2023 NEC ® , a short-circuit is an abnormal connection or even an arc of relatively low impedance, whether made accidentally or intentionally, between two or more points of different potential. This new definition helps to further understand and differentiate between other terms used throughout the NEC ® such as:

• Fault Current. The current delivered at a point on the system during a short-circuit condition.
• Available Fault Current. The largest amount of current capable of being delivered at a point on the system during a short-circuit condition .
• Ground Fault. An unintentional, electrically conductive connection between an ungrounded conductor of an electrical circuit and the normally non-current-carrying conductors, metal enclosures, metal raceways, metal equipment, or earth .

A short circuit condition generates a higher amount of energy than a phase to ground (ground-fault) condition which is why the term “Available Fault Current” is based on a short circuit rather than a ground-fault.

When a short circuit occurs, two or more conductors, each having a difference in potential between them, are abnormally connected creating the short circuit condition.

Below is a preview of the NEC ® . See the actual NEC ® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC ® edition of NFPA 70.

2020 Code Language:

This definition did not exist.

2023 Code Language:

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Which of the following is true of a short circuit?