excess current; overcurrent
Technical term in electrical engineering; refers to current exceeding the rated value, which may cause overheating or damage.
When excess current flows, the circuit breaker trips.
This circuit has an overcurrent protection function.
短絡 (short circuit) is a common cause of 過電流, but 過電流 itself is the resulting excessive current.
Compound of 過 (excess) and 電流 (electric current).