What is a "short"?

A short is "shorthand" for short circuit. This is simply a condition where electricity no longer flows through its normal path. It's as if the electricity was taking a shortcut. This often produces spectacular results and causes fuses to blow and circuit breakers to trip. Often when someone speaks of a "short" they are talking about something electricians call an "open" which is a case in which electricity can no longer flow to its intended load. Whatever an abnormal condition is named, it needs to be repaired. ... more