---
title: "What Is Short circuit? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A short circuit is an unintended low-resistance path between conductors that sends a very large surge of current through the circuit."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/short-circuit
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Wiring and circuits

# Short circuit

A short circuit is an unintended low-resistance path between conductors that sends a very large surge of current through the circuit.

The CPSC describes a short circuit as a fault in which circuit conductors of opposite polarity touch, causing an immediate increase in current. A breaker is built to open fast when this happens. A short differs from an [overload](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/overload), which builds more slowly.

Signs include a loud pop, a burning smell, or a breaker that trips the moment it is reset. Stop using the circuit and call a licensed electrician. Do not keep resetting it. A [ground fault](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ground-fault) is a related fault that goes to ground. See [electrical warning signs](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/electrical-warning-signs).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Overload](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/overload)
-   [Ground fault](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ground-fault)
-   [Arc fault](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/arc-fault)
-   [Circuit breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/circuit-breaker)

## Sources

1.  [CPSC: New Technology for Preventing Residential Electrical Fires](https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/AFCIFireTechnology.pdf)
2.  [Oncor: Electric Service Guidelines](https://www.oncor.com/content/dam/oncorwww/documents/electric-service-guidelines/Electric%20Service%20Guidelines%202021.pdf)

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