Joule effect - Reflexions

Joule effect

The transformation of electric energy into heat. This occurs whenever an electric current flows through a conductor. It's caused by the movement of electrons in the electric current which make the conductor's particles vibrate, thereby increasing its temperature. This effect increases with the square of the current intensity, the resistance of the conductor, and the time for which the current flows. During a short-circuit, the intensity of the current increases significantly. Since the thermal energy given off depends on the square of this intensity, we can understand how short-circuits can start fires.