Question

Distinguish between the term overloading and short circuiting.

Answer 1

The short circuit means the voltage at the fault points reduces to zero and the large current starts flowing through the circuit whereas in the overloaded condition the load greater than the suitable value are applied to the system.The voltage at the short circuit decreases to zero, whereas in the overloaded condition the voltages reduce, but it cannot be zero.During the short circuit, the resistance of the path of current becomes low due to which the heavy current flow through the circuit whereas in overload condition the magnitude of the current is high but appreciably low as compared to short circuit current.The short circuit occurs in the system when the neutral and the live wire comes in contact with each other, whereas overload occurs when the number of electrical equipment connects to the same socket.

Answer 2

Basis For ComparisonShort CircuitOverloadMeaningIn the short-circuit the voltage at the fault point decreases to zero and current of irregular high value flow through the faulty point of the network.The overload means that load greater than the desired value have been imposed on the system.VoltageZeroThe voltage becomes low, but cannot be zero.CurrentHighLow as compared to short circuit.OccurIt occurs when the neutral and live wire touch each other.It occurs when a large number of devices are joint in a single socket.