What is likely to happen during an electrical fault if the protection device is inadequate?

When an electrical fault occurs and the protective device is inadequate, the likely outcome is that equipment would experience severe damage. Protection devices, such as circuit breakers or fuses, are designed to disconnect power in the event of a fault—like a short circuit or overload. If these devices are not capable of responding appropriately, the electrical current can continue to flow unchecked. This allows excessive current to reach equipment, which can lead to overheating and potentially catastrophic failures. The equipment may suffer from insulation breakdown, component failure, or even fire as a result of the prolonged exposure to high current levels. Therefore, having a properly rated and functioning protective device is essential to mitigate damage during electrical faults.