Difference between Fault Current and Short Circuit Current

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAULT CURRENT AND SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT

INTRODUCTION:

There is a difference between “Fault Current” and “Short Circuit Current” in electrical system. Both parameters are important while selecting an Equipment or designing a Network, however both terms are misled in Electrical engineering. * In very simple language “Short” means less (shortest distance, time or circuit), Short circuit Fault means least resistance or no resistance in circuit and Current is high due to less resistance. This high current convert into heat energy. The opposite of a short circuit is an “open circuit”, which is an infinite resistance between two nodes. * While Fault means wrong. Fault Current means Current pass in to wrong path.

WHAT IS FAULT CURRENT

A fault current is a current which takes the wrong path instead of using the normal conducting path during Fault condition. * Under normal condition, the electric equipment operate at normal voltage and current ratings. Once the fault occurs in a circuit or device, voltage and current value deviates from their nominal Value. This may be high or Low Values. * The fault may be occurred due to insulation failures, Wrong Connection or conducting path failures, which further convert in Open Circuit, Short Circuit and Ground Fault. * A fault current can either current being more or less than the normal rated current. * In Three phase power system, there are basically three types of Fault Current. * Open Circuit Faults * Short Circuit Faults (L-L / L-L-L) * Ground Circuit Faults (L-G / L-L-L-G)

WHAT IS SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT:

When a two or more conductors of differential potential comes to contact with each other (one phase comes in contact with other Phase, Neutral or Earth) gives the electricity to a path of less resistance hence a large current flow in the un-faulted phases, such current is called the short circuit current. * When Short circuit occurs, current returns to its source without passing to the load. It caused zero or very little resistance and No Voltage drop in that circuit. * This Current will be the maximum that the source can deliver for a very small time before the protection device operates. The current is limited only by the resistance of the rest of the circuit. * We know that V (Voltage) =I (current) x R (resistance of Circuit). * When short circuit occur, resistance is very small and can be considered as negligible. We can consider R=0. This means I = V/0, which means infinite current will Flow so the conductor must have the capacity to allow this huge current to flow. In most of the cases breakdown happens. * The resistance when short circuit occur is very small and can be considered as negligible. We can consider R=0. * This means V=Ix0, which means Voltage at Short circuit is very Less. * V(drop)=0 and current(I)=infinite * Short circuit gives thousands time larger Current than the normal current and Zero Voltage at Fault Point. This will produce more heat and result in burns and fires. * Short circuit faults are also called as Shunt faults. * Causes: * Over Loading of Equipment: Overloading of equipment and insulation failure due to lighting surges and mechanical damage. * Loose Connections:Due to Loose Connections, Sometimes Neutral and Phase wires to touch. * Faulty or Wrong Connections: Wrong Connections make Short circuit in Circuit. * Failure / Ageing of Insulation:Old or damaged insulation makes neutral and Phase wires to touch, which can cause a short circuit. Punctures in Insulation can damage insulation and makes short circuit. * Harmful Effects: * The short-circuit produces the arc that causes the major damage of equipment such as transformers and circuit breakers. * The short circuit causes a heavy current in the power system which produces excessive heat and hence results in fire or explosion. * The short circuit affects the stability of the network which disturbs the continuity of the supply. * The operating voltages of the system can go below or above their acceptance values that creates harmful effect to the service rendered by the power system.

OPEN CIRCUIT FAULTS:

Open Circuit Faults occur due to the Failure / Open of one or more Phase Conductors in Circuit. * In Open Circuit Fault, Current cannot flow hence Current is Zero and Voltage become Infinite. * V(drop)=infinite and current(I)=0 * Open circuit faults are also called as series faults. These are unsymmetrical or unbalanced type of faults except three phase open fault. * Causes: * Broken Conductor, Failure of Conductor Joints and malfunctioning of circuit breaker in one or more phases. * Harmful Effects: * Abnormal operation of the system. * Danger to the Human and Animals. * Exceeding the voltages beyond normal values in certain parts of the network, which leads to insulation failures and developing of short circuit faults.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAULT CURR…