Is There a Short Circuit in Your Diagram? How to Spot It!

[beyondlimits]

How do i find if there is a short circuit in the circuit diagrams. i am really confused. please help.

 

[K^2]

If you can find a path from + to - that avoids going through any resistor or other load, you have a short.

 

[FireStorm000]

That's a fairly general question. In general, there are 3 types of circuits.

1. Open Circuit
2. Closed Circuit
   • Complete Circuit
   • Short Circuit

An open circuit is any series of electronic components where a path can not be draw from the power source through components and back. These do nothing.
A complete circuit is a where a path can be drawn from the source, through components, and back again. Generally speaking these are good.
You're interested in the short circuit, which is a type of closed circuit with no load. In short, no pun intended, there is a path from the positive voltage terminal back to the negative with no inductive, capacitive, or resistive elements. These are almost always bad, and lead to an ungodly amount of current flow, thus heat, melting, and component failure.

Examples(assume all connections are specified):
-A battery with the negative terminal connected to one end of a resistor is an open circuit.
-A battery with one end of an inductor, capacitor, resistor, or any combination thereof connected to both terminals is a complete closed circuit. That is one resistor lead goes to the negative terminal, the other to the positive.
-A battery with a wire leading from one terminal to the other, or from any voltage potential to ground is a short circuit.

Depending on the complexity of the diagram, it may or may not be tricky to find shorts. You should scan you diagram and post it if you want more specific help.

**edit** Oops, someone beat me to it, lol.

 

[beyondlimits]

thanks to both of u.that was a satisfactory explanation. I'l try to solve the problem this way. and i'l post the Diagram itself if i am still unable 2 deal with it. thanks once again.

 

[pmacias]

Finding a short circuit in a circuit diagram can be a difficult and confusing task. However, there are a few steps you can follow to help you identify and resolve short circuits.

1. Check for visual signs of a short circuit: The first step is to visually inspect the circuit diagram for any obvious signs of a short circuit. Look for any wires that are touching or crossing over each other, as well as any burn marks or damage to the components.

2. Use a multimeter: A multimeter is a useful tool for detecting short circuits. Set the multimeter to the resistance or continuity mode and use the probes to test the circuit. If the multimeter shows a reading of 0 or very low resistance, it indicates a short circuit.

3. Trace the circuit: If the multimeter does not detect a short circuit, you can try tracing the circuit to identify the problem. Follow the path of the circuit and check each component for any damage or incorrect connections.

4. Divide and conquer: If the circuit is complex, you can divide it into smaller sections and test each section individually. This can help you isolate the problem and identify the specific area where the short circuit is occurring.

5. Use a circuit simulator: There are many online circuit simulators available that can help you identify short circuits in a circuit diagram. These simulators allow you to input the circuit and simulate its behavior, making it easier to identify any issues.

6. Seek professional help: If you are still unable to find the short circuit, it may be best to seek the help of a professional electrician or engineer. They have the expertise and tools to locate and resolve short circuits in a safe and efficient manner.

In conclusion, finding a short circuit in a circuit diagram can be challenging, but by following these steps and seeking professional help if needed, you can successfully identify and resolve the issue.