SHORT CIRCUIT Meaning and
Definition
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Short circuit is a term commonly used in electrical engineering and refers to a situation where an unintended low-resistance connection or path is formed between two or more points in an electrical circuit. This connection bypasses the normal or intended path for electric current flow and creates a direct path with minimal or zero resistance, resulting in a significant increase in current flow. The term "short circuit" is used to describe this phenomenon because the low-resistance connection effectively shortens or decreases the total length of the circuit.
When a short circuit occurs, the sudden surge in current can potentially cause a range of issues, including overheating, damage to electrical components, melting of wires, or even fire hazards. Short circuits typically occur due to damaged or faulty insulation, incorrect wiring, or defective electrical components.
To prevent harm or damage, circuit protection devices such as fuses or circuit breakers are commonly used. These components are designed to detect excessive current flow and interrupt the circuit, effectively breaking the short circuit condition. By doing so, they prevent the potential risks associated with short circuits, such as electrical fires or damage to equipment.
Short circuits are a critical consideration in electrical safety and must be identified and resolved promptly to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of electrical systems.
Common Misspellings for SHORT CIRCUIT
- ahort circuit
- zhort circuit
- xhort circuit
- dhort circuit
- ehort circuit
- whort circuit
- sgort circuit
- sbort circuit
- snort circuit
- sjort circuit
- suort circuit
- syort circuit
- shirt circuit
- shkrt circuit
- shlrt circuit
- shprt circuit
- sh0rt circuit
- sh9rt circuit
- shoet circuit
- shodt circuit
Etymology of SHORT CIRCUIT
The term "short circuit" originated from the combination of two words: "short" and "circuit".
The word "short" has Middle English and Old English roots. In Middle English, "short" was spelled "schort" and derived from Old English "sceort", meaning "to be short or lacking in something". Over time, the word developed to refer to the opposite of being long or extended.
The word "circuit" has Latin origins. It comes from the Latin word "circuitus", which means "a going around". In English, "circuit" initially referred to a circular path or passage. Eventually, the term was used to describe a closed path in which an electric current could flow.
Combining "short" and "circuit" created the term "short circuit" to denote an unintended occurrence in an electrical circuit.
