Which electrical circuit draws too much current?

A short circuit occurs when an unintended, low-resistance path bypasses the normal electrical load. According to Ohm's Law (I = E/R), if the resistance (R) drops to near zero, the current (I) will surge to dangerously high levels, meaning the circuit draws too much current. Common distractors like an "open circuit" describe a path that is completely broken, meaning zero current flows. A "closed circuit" is simply a normal, functioning electrical path, and a "dead circuit" lacks power entirely.