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An open (circuit) is where insufficient (often zero) current flow where some is expected. In this case, little or no work is done.

A short (circuit) is where high (often infinite or as limited by the power supply) current flows where only some is expected. In this case also, little or no work is done by the device intended, but there is enough current to trip (or blow) the protective device (fuse or circuit breaker).

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What is the difference between 1sec and 3sec duration of short-circuit withstand capacity?

The difference between 1 second and 3 seconds is 2 seconds. In terms of short-circuit withstand capacity, it can mean the difference between no damage and damage occurring to the equipment and wiring. Heat rises extremely fast in a short-circuit situation, and you want your protective device to trip before damage is done.


Difference between voltage and emf?

'Voltage' is simply another term for 'potential difference', and an electromotive force is the open-circuit, or no-load, potential difference of a source such as a battery or generator.


The difference between short to a voltage circuit and short to a ground circuit?

A short circuit is an abnormal connection between two nodes intended to be at different voltages. A voltage circuit is caused intentionally for the purpose of voltage sensing. A ground circuit occurs between a phase and the ground.


Difference between open and short circuit?

An open circuit has a break in it somewhere, so the circuit is not complete and electricity cannot flow. When you power off a light, for example, with an on/off switch, you open the circuit, turning off the light as desired. When there is an unwanted open circuit, for example from a damaged wire, the device or system is unpowered and cannot operate. A short circuit has some unwanted contact between points at different voltage levels, such as from hot to neutral or ground, or between positive and negative. When a short is in a circuit, electricity will take only that path of little or no resistance. The rest of the system is deprived of power, and the conductors feeding the point of the short will likely overheat or burn unless a fuse or breaker operates, creating now an open circuit.


What is the difference between normally close and normally open?

normally close relay is closed initially and when a signal arrive to it it will open and dont let the current pass i9n opposit to normally open