Which fault condition signifies that heavy current flows due to direct contact between line conductors?

A short fault condition occurs when there is direct contact between line conductors, allowing current to flow freely across an unintended path. This situation leads to a significant increase in current flow, often referred to as a short circuit. The conductors, which are supposed to carry current to their designated loads, instead create a low-resistance pathway to each other, resulting in heavy current that can cause overheating, equipment damage, or other hazards.

In contrast, a ground fault involves current flowing to the ground rather than between conductors, while an open fault refers to a break in the circuit, preventing current from flowing at all. A cross fault typically implies that conductors are improperly connected or touching but may not specifically indicate the heavy current flow seen in a true short condition. Therefore, recognizing the characteristics of a short circuit is essential for properly diagnosing fault conditions in electrical systems.