These characteristics of PTC ceramic thermistors make it a good choice for inrush current limiting and energy load dump applications. The PTCEL components are placed in the circuit in series with the load or a capacitor. The resistance of the PTCEL at turn-on controls the magnitude of the inrush or discharge current. When sized correctly, the PTCs absorb the inrush energy at turn-on without ever switching to high resistance. Once charging is complete, the PTCEL is short circuited with a bypass switch that controls the normal operating load current. In a discharge circuit the PTCEL is acting as a self-protecting current limiting element.