: Electricity naturally follows the easiest route back to the source. If a low-resistance "shortcut" (like two frayed wires touching) exists, most or all current will flow through it. Calculating Short Circuit Current
Without protection, a short circuit would destroy equipment and cause fires every time. We rely on: current in a short circuit
It is a common misconception that electricity travels at the speed of light. While the electric field propagates at near light speed, the electrons themselves move at a relatively slow "drift velocity." In a short circuit, the electric field is established almost instantly, pushing electrons along the entire length of the wire simultaneously. : Electricity naturally follows the easiest route back
), the heat generated in a wire increases with the square of the current. Even if the resistance is low, a massive current will turn wires into heating elements, melting insulation and potentially starting fires. We rely on: It is a common misconception
