short circuit

A short circuit is caused by an electrical contact between two circuits with different levels.

A short circuit can occur, for example, in a low-voltage network when a brief unintentional contact occurs between the current-carrying outer conductor and the neutral conductor, or a contact occurs in a three- phase network between two current-carrying outer conductors. The difference in levels causes a high current to flow across the electrical contact, which can damage electrical or electronic circuits and components. To prevent components, circuits and power networks from being damaged or destroyed by overvoltages and overcurrents in the event of a short circuit, circuitry measures are taken to ensure short-circuit resistance.