distinguishing features between overloading and short circuiting in domestic circuits

 Q. List two distinguishing features between overloading and short circuiting in domestic circuits. (CBSE 2014)

ANS-If too many electrical appliances of high power rating are switched on at the same time, they draw an extremely large current from the circuit causing overloading. 

Due to an extremely large current flowing through the circuit, the copper wire of the household wiring gets heated to a very high temperature and a fire may start. 

Short-circuiting: The touching of naked live wire and neutral wire directly causes short circuiting. In this case, the resistance of the circuit so formed is very small, thus a large amount of current flows through the circuit and heats the wires to a high temperature and a fire may start

Overloading of an electrical circuit

Q. What is meant by overloading of an electrical circuit? Explain two possible causes due to which overloading may occur in household circuit? Explain one precaution that should be taken to avoid the overloading of domestic electric circuit.

ANS- Overloading: The current flowing in domestic wiring at a particular time depends on the power ratings of the appliances being used. If too many electrical appliances of high power rating are switched on at the same time, they draw extremely large quantity of current from the circuit. This is known as the overloading of the circuit. 

Due to large current flowing through the wires of the household circuits, their copper wires get heated up to a very high temperature and can cause a fire.

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