Difference Between Overload and Short circuit
What is an Overload?
Overloading
means when the current flows into a circuit more than the capacity of
components in the circuit to resist current. To ensure that the electrical conductors do not exceed the
limit, a protective device, known as the circuit
breaker is installed within the circuit with a current rating which matches
the conductors.
What is a short circuit?
Short
circuiting is when the electric current flows down the wrong or unintended path
with little to no electrical resistance. This might cause heavy damage, fire or
even small scale explosions.
Difference Between Overload
and Short Circuit:
Short
circuit and overload, in spite of similarities, are different from each
other. On the occurrence of a short
circuit, the voltage at the point of the fault falls to zero and the current in
the network increases abnormally to a higher value. But in the case of overload
reduction in the terminal voltage of the equipment occurs but the voltage will
never fall to zero. Similarly, the current also increases to a higher value but
not as high as in the case of a short circuit.
Basis For |
Short Circuit |
Overload |
Meaning |
In
the short-circuit the voltage at the fault point decreases to zero and
current of irregular high value flows through the faulty point of the
network. |
The
overload means that load is greater than the capable value that has been
imposed on the system. |
Voltage |
Zero |
The voltage becomes very low, but
cannot ever be zero. |
Current |
High |
Low
when compared to short circuits. |
Occur |
It occurs when the neutral wire and the
live wire touch each other. |
It occurs when a large number of
devices are joined in a single socket. |
Another
major difference between the short
circuit and the overload is that the short circuit occurs because of the
fault between the lines or line-to-earth whereas the overload means the
equipment draws the excess of current from the supply.
So,
there you have it, a clear understanding of an Overload and a short circuit and
the difference between the two. Now. If you’re having a problem with either in
your space, be it home or office, just contact G3 Electrical for quality services.
Address:- 10520 YONGE STREET RICHMOND HILL, ONTARIO CANADA
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