Short Circuit Damage to Conductors

A short circuit occurs when there is an abnormal connection between two conductors with different potentials, resulting in a significantly high current flow. This sudden surge of current can lead to various types of damage, including thermal, mechanical, and electrical.

Damage Comparison
To determine which conductor would experience maximum damage when subjected to a short circuit, let us compare the materials mentioned in the options:

a) Copper: Copper is an excellent conductor that has a high melting point and good thermal and electrical conductivity. It can handle high currents without significant damage and has excellent resistance to heat.

b) Aluminium: Aluminium is another commonly used conductor, but it has lower thermal and electrical conductivity compared to copper. It has a lower melting point than copper and is more susceptible to damage under high current conditions.

c) A.C.S.R: Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (A.C.S.R) is a type of conductor that consists of aluminum strands surrounded by steel wires. While the aluminum strands may be subject to damage due to high current flow, the presence of steel wires can provide some mechanical reinforcement.

d) Steel: Steel is not a good conductor of electricity and has a high resistance. It is not typically used as a primary electrical conductor, but it may be present in some applications as a reinforcement or support structure.

Explanation of the Correct Answer
The correct answer to the question is option 'B' - Aluminium. When subjected to a short circuit, aluminium conductors are more likely to experience maximum damage compared to copper, A.C.S.R, or steel conductors.

This is primarily because aluminium has a lower melting point than copper, making it more susceptible to thermal damage. The high current flowing through the conductor during a short circuit can generate a significant amount of heat due to the Joule heating effect. This heat can cause the aluminium conductor to melt or even vaporize, leading to severe damage.

Additionally, aluminium has lower electrical conductivity compared to copper, resulting in higher resistive losses during a short circuit. These resistive losses contribute to further heating of the conductor, exacerbating the potential damage.

While A.C.S.R conductors may have some mechanical reinforcement from the steel wires, the aluminium strands within the conductor can still experience significant thermal and electrical damage during a short circuit.

Steel conductors, on the other hand, are not commonly used as primary electrical conductors due to their high resistance and poor electrical conductivity. Therefore, they are less likely to be subjected to short circuit damage in typical electrical systems.

In conclusion, when subjected to a short circuit, aluminium conductors are more prone to experiencing maximum damage compared to other materials like copper, A.C.S.R, or steel conductors.