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Resistors & Circuits

Open Circuits and Short Circuits

Short Circuits

If two points in a circuit are connected by some component or conductor having a resistance of zero (or practically zero) ohms we say that the two points are SHORT CIRCUITED or short circuit. Under these conditions a larger current will flow, due to the reduction in resistance, and there will be NO POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE between the ends of the short circuit.

These conditions are illustrated below.

Short Circuit Examples.

The opposite extreme fault condition to having an short circuit is having a component or components go "Open Circuit", which is dealt with here.