A low-resistance connection between two points in an electrical circuit that are intended to be at different voltages is identified as a potentially hazardous condition. This situation bypasses the normal load of the circuit, allowing a large and often uncontrolled amount of current to flow. As an illustrative example, consider a power cord where the insulation has worn away, allowing the live wire to come into direct contact with the neutral wire. This direct contact establishes a path of minimal resistance, resulting in a sudden and substantial increase in current.
Such occurrences are significant from a safety perspective due to the rapid increase in current. This surge can cause overheating of wires, potentially leading to fires. Furthermore, it can damage connected devices and pose a risk of electric shock. Historically, the understanding and prevention of this electrical anomaly have been crucial in developing safety standards and circuit protection devices like fuses and circuit breakers.