Write a short note on (a) short circuit and (b) overload.

Short Answer

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Question: What are the differences between a short circuit and an overload, and provide an example of each. Answer: A short circuit occurs when the current flow in an electrical circuit passes along an unintended path with very low resistance, allowing a large amount of current to flow through the circuit. An example of a short circuit is when exposed conductors of the positive and negative wires in a damaged electrical circuit come into contact with each other, causing excessive current flow and potential damage or fire. On the other hand, overload refers to the situation when the electrical current flowing through a circuit exceeds its design capacity, usually due to too many electrical devices or appliances connected to a single circuit. An example of overload is when multiple high-power appliances operate simultaneously on a single household circuit designed for a maximum current of 10 amps, causing the total current drawn to exceed the limit and leading the circuit breaker to trip or the fuse to blow as safety measures.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction

Short circuit and overload are two electrical terms usually used in power systems. They both refer to issues with electrical systems or circuits. To better understand these concepts, let's define them and provide an example for each.
02

Short Circuit Definition

A short circuit occurs when the current flow in an electrical circuit passes along an unintended path with very low resistance, allowing a large amount of current to flow through the circuit. This can happen when the insulation of electrical wires is damaged or when two wires accidentally come into contact with each other. The sudden increase in current can cause the system to fail, damage electrical components, and even pose a fire hazard.
03

Example of a Short Circuit

Let's consider a simple electrical circuit with a battery, a light bulb, and a switch. If the insulation of the wires in the circuit becomes damaged, it may expose the metal conductor. When the exposed conductors of the positive and negative wires come into contact with each other, it creates a connection with very low resistance. This allows the electrical current to bypass the intended path through the light bulb, causing excessive current to flow through the circuit, which may damage the battery and may also cause the wires to overheat and catch fire.
04

Overload Definition

Overload refers to the situation when the electrical current flowing through a circuit exceeds its design capacity. This can occur when too many electrical devices or appliances are connected to a single circuit, exceeding the maximum current that circuit can safely handle. Overloading a circuit can result in a decrease in the overall performance of the electrical system and may cause the circuit breaker to trip or fuses to blow, which are safety measures to prevent electrical fires and damage to electrical components.
05

Example of Overload

For instance, if a household circuit is designed to handle a maximum current of 10 amps, but multiple high-power appliances like a hairdryer, iron, and microwave oven are operating simultaneously on that same circuit, the total current drawn from the circuit may exceed the 10-amp limit. This can lead to an overload, causing the circuit breaker to trip or the fuse to blow, cutting off the power supply to the appliances to prevent damage or fire.

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