An overcurrent relay is a protective device that detects excessive current flow and triggers circuit breakers to prevent damage. Commonly used in power systems, it safeguards equipment from faults, short circuits, and overload conditions by monitoring current levels and operating. Overcurrent protection refers to mechanisms that quickly cut off power when current exceeds rated values (regardless of duration), targeting short-term, high-intensity faults like short circuits—this is “strong fault protection. It generally operates instantly. Short circuit is a type of overcurrent.