Editing Short circuit (section)

== Damage ==
Within milliseconds, a short circuit can deliver a [[fault current]] that is hundreds or thousands of times higher than the normal operating current of the system.<ref name="pdh">{{cite web |url=https://www.pdhonline.com/courses/e204/e204content.pdf |title=Introduction to Short Circuit Analysis |website=PDHonline |last=Bhatia |first=A. |access-date=3 July 2019 |at=sec. What causes a short circuit? |archive-date=3 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703040023/https://www.pdhonline.com/courses/e204/e204content.pdf |url-status=live}}
*{{cite web |last=Bhatia |first=A. |title=Introduction to Short Circuit Analysis |type=Synopsis |url=https://www.pdhonline.com/courses/e204/e204.htm |website=PDHonline}}</ref> Damage from short circuits can be reduced or prevented by employing [[Fuse (electrical)|fuses]], [[circuit breaker]]s, or other [[overload protection]], which disconnect the power in reaction to excessive current.  Overload protection must be chosen according to the current rating of the circuit.  Circuits for large [[home appliance]]s  require protective devices set or rated for higher currents than lighting circuits. [[Wire gauge]]s specified in building and electrical [[building code|codes]] are chosen to ensure safe operation in conjunction with the overload protection. An overcurrent protection device must be rated to safely interrupt the maximum [[prospective short-circuit current]].

In an improper installation, the overcurrent from a short circuit may cause [[ohmic heating]] of the circuit parts with poor conductivity (faulty joints in wiring, faulty contacts in power sockets, or even the site of the short circuit itself). Such [[Overheating (electricity)|overheating]] is a common cause of [[fire]]s. An electric arc, if it forms during the short circuit, produces high amount of heat and can cause ignition of combustible substances as well.

In industrial and utility distribution systems, dynamic forces generated by high short-circuit currents cause conductors to spread apart. Busbars, cables, and apparatus can be damaged by the forces generated in a short circuit.