Overcurrent, Overload, Ground

What is the general definition of an overcurrent condition?

• A situation where current flows in an unintended pathway.

• A situation where a circuit has too many loads connected.

• A situation where the current exceeds the rated capacity of equipment or conductors.

• A situation where the voltage is either too high or too low.

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Which characteristic is typical of an overload condition?

• Current flows in an unintended pathway, often with very little resistance.

• The current greatly exceeds the rated current and causes damage almost instantaneously.

• The current exceeds the rated current but flows in the proper pathway, potentially causing damage if sustained.

• It is always a subcategory of a short circuit.

What is the key difference in current flow between an overload and a short circuit or ground fault?

• Overloads involve current flowing in a proper pathway, while faults involve current flowing in a wrong pathway.

• Overloads involve current flowing in a wrong pathway, while faults involve current flowing in a proper pathway.

• Overloads always cause immediate damage, while faults cause damage over time.

• Overloads are always safe, while faults are always dangerous.

How do short circuits and ground faults typically behave compared to overloads?

• They involve current flowing in the proper pathway but at a much higher magnitude than overloads.

• They cause current to greatly exceed the rated current and require immediate device opening to prevent instantaneous damage.

• They allow a little extra current for a while before opening the circuit.

• They are always less dangerous than overloads because the current is quickly dissipated.