At the time of short circuit, the current in an electric circuit

A short circuit occurs when the live wire and neutral wire come into direct contact, often due to damaged insulation or appliance faults [1]. In a normal circuit, appliances provide resistance that limits current flow; however, a short circuit creates an unintentional low-resistance path that bypasses the main load [2]. According to Ohm's Law, current is inversely proportional to resistance. When resistance drops to a very low level during a short circuit, the current in the circuit increases sharply or abruptly [2]. This sudden surge, often referred to as a fault current, can lead to overheating, sparking, and potential fire hazards [2]. To mitigate this, devices like electric fuses are used to break the circuit when they detect such unduly high currents [1].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > 12.4 DOMESTIC ELECTRIC CIRCUITS > p. 205
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: Electricity > I = V/R (11.7) > p. 176