Explain how over current is different from overload
Overload is the exceeding of your total demand load capacity while overcurrent is the exceeding of the rated current of any equipment either through normal (overload) and abnormal condition ( short circuit and ground faults)
Overcurrent is any current load in excess of the safety rating of equipment or the ampacity of a conductor. Overcurrent may result from an overload, a short circuit, or a ground fault. Overcurrent does not always cause a fire.
The magnitude and direction of the Sustained overcurrents that can cause damage or fire (called overload) should trip the fuse or breaker, opening the circuit and stopping the flow and heating. However, items such as an extension cord can reduce the conductor size between the load and the circuit protection and can overheat the wire without tripping the protection. overload is a condition whereby the current has risen above the normal rating of a system due to too much loading and is sustained for a period. but is not high enough to cause instant tripping, e.g, 120A against a rating of 100A. Tripping may eventually occur due to the accumulated heating.
This current is confined to the normal safe path. On the other hand, an overcurrent may occur due to a short circuit and the current may keep on rising until the rating of the breaker is reached causing instantaneous tripping.