Short-circuits refer to electrical current:

Short-circuits occur when electrical current flows outside of its designated or normal path, typically due to a fault in the circuit. This can happen when conductive materials unintentionally make contact, bypassing the normal resistance that the circuit would otherwise encounter. As a result, an excessive amount of current can flow suddenly, leading to potential overheating, fires, or damage to electrical components.

This abnormal flow is particularly dangerous because it can rapidly increase the temperature of wires and devices, creating a risk of ignition. Understanding this concept is crucial for electricians to ensure that proper safety protocols are followed in order to prevent such incidents. Recognizing that short-circuits disrupt the usual routing of electrical pathways is central to both safety and effective electrical system design.