Editing Short circuit (section)

== Definition ==
A short circuit is an abnormal connection between two nodes of an electric circuit intended to be at different [[voltage]]s. This results in an [[electric current]] limited only by the [[Thévenin's theorem|Thévenin equivalent resistance]] of the rest of the network which can cause circuit damage, [[Overheating (electricity)|overheating]], [[fire]] or [[explosion]]. Although usually the result of a [[Electrical fault|fault]], there are cases where short circuits are caused intentionally, for example, for the purpose of voltage-sensing [[Crowbar (circuit)|crowbar circuit protectors]].

In [[circuit analysis]], a ''short circuit'' is defined as a connection between two nodes that forces them to be at the same voltage. In an 'ideal' short circuit, this means there is no resistance and thus no voltage drop across the connection. In real circuits, the result is a connection with almost no resistance. In such a case, the current is limited only by the resistance of the rest of the circuit.