In an electric power system, overcurrent or excess current is a situation where a larger than intended electric current exists through a conductor, leading to excessive generation of heat, and the risk of fire or damage to equipment.
Possible causes for overcurrent include short circuits, excessive load, incorrect design, an arc fault, or a ground fault.
Fuses, circuit breakers, and current limiters are commonly used overcurrent protection (OCP) mechanisms to control the risks.
[1] Overcurrent capabilities of electrical generators are essential for the power system operations.
Lack of overcurrent capability (low short circuit ratio) of a weak grid creates a multitude of problems, including:[2]