A short circuit occurs when electricity flows along an unintended path, bypassing the normal circuit. This can happen when wires are damaged or when conductive materials create a direct connection between two points in a circuit. As a result, excessive current can flow, potentially causing overheating, fires, or damage to electrical components. Short circuits can be dangerous and often trigger protective devices like circuit breakers or fuses to interrupt the flow of electricity. Understanding the causes and effects of short circuits is essential for maintaining electrical safety in homes and businesses, ensuring that devices and systems operate correctly without risk of failure.