What is a dead short?

A dead short is a term used in electrical engineering to describe a fault in a circuit where the current takes an unintended path with little to no resistance. This can result in a large amount of current flowing through the circuit, causing overheating, arcing, and potentially leading to a fire.

Dead shorts can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as faulty wiring, damaged insulation, or a malfunction in an electrical component. They can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately to prevent damage to the circuit or equipment, as well as a potential fire hazard.

When diagnosing a dead short, it is important to carefully inspect the circuit to identify the location of the fault and take steps to repair or replace the affected components. In some cases, a circuit breaker or fuse may trip to protect the circuit from the excessive current flow caused by a dead short.