Shortcircuiting:
(i) If a live wire (phase wire) and a neutral wire come in direct contact or touch each other, short- circuiting takes place.
(ii) It is caused if the insulating coating of a wire is spoilt or lost or if faulty electric appliances are used.
Effects of shortcircuiting:
(a) During a shortcircuit, the resistance of the circuit becomes very small and hence huge amount of current flows through it.
(b) This produces a large amount of heat and raises the temperature. As a result, the circuit catches fire and can cause damage.