What is the difference between short-circuiting and overloading?

From what I can gather from my textbook, both happen as a result of external resistance being lesser than the sum of internal resistance.

Short-circuiting and overloading are different electrical phenomena that occur due to different reasons. Let me explain the differences and how to identify them.

1. Short-circuiting:
Short-circuiting occurs when there is a low-resistance connection between two points in an electric circuit that are not supposed to be directly connected. This creates a bypass for the current, causing it to flow through the short-circuit instead of following its intended path.

How to identify short-circuiting:
- In a short-circuit, the current flow increases significantly beyond the normal operating current.
- A short-circuit can cause a circuit breaker or fuse to trip, shutting off the power supply to protect the circuit.
- Short-circuits often result in noticeable sparks, smoke, or even a burning smell.

To fix a short-circuit, follow these steps:
1. Identify the short-circuited part of the circuit. Look for loose wires, exposed conductors, or damaged insulation.
2. Disconnect the power supply to prevent any further damage or accidents.
3. Properly insulate or repair the affected area to eliminate the short-circuit. Ensure that the connection between the wires is secure and insulated.

2. Overloading:
Overloading occurs when a circuit is forced to carry a current greater than its intended capacity. It happens when a load, such as appliances or devices, demand more power than the circuit is designed to handle.

How to identify overloading:
- Overloading typically results in a circuit breaker or fuse tripping frequently.
- Appliances or devices may not function properly or may produce excessive heat due to inadequate power supply.
- The circuit wires and components may become hot to the touch.

To resolve an overloaded circuit, follow these steps:
1. Identify the appliances or devices that are causing the overload. Check their power requirements and compare them to the circuit's capacity.
2. If the power demand exceeds the circuit capacity, redistribute the load by connecting the appliances to different circuits.
3. If necessary, consider upgrading the circuit by installing a higher capacity circuit breaker or adding a new circuit to handle the increased load.

In summary, short-circuiting occurs when there is an unintended low-resistance connection, while overloading happens when a circuit is forced to exceed its capacity due to excessive power demand. Recognizing the signs of these electrical issues and taking appropriate actions can help ensure the safety and proper functioning of electrical systems.