answersLogoWhite

0

What is an electrical fault?

Updated: 12/22/2022
User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Best Answer

Some people will define the cause of an electrical fault as a "short circuit" but that is too simple an explanation because it doesn't explain how it is caused.

An electrical fault is the name given to any situation where some electrical current goes where it was not intended to go.

This situation can be caused by damage to the protective insulation around a wire - or around some other part - which puts the wire or part in contact with a different wire or part that it was not designed to touch because a difference in voltage has to exist between them to allow an item of electrical equipment to do its work.

If an item of electrical equipment gets dropped accidentally - or if something else hits it violently - that action can easily damage the insulation material or close an air gap that was designed to keep two parts electrically separate within that item of equipment.

Another way an electrical fault can be caused is by physical deterioration of some insulation. Such deterioration can be caused by many factors such as, for example, the temperature of the equipment being too high or if some unprotected equipment is exposed to wet or damp conditions. Such factors can put stresses on the insulation which it was not designed to withstand and it breaks down and causes an electrical fault to occur.

If an item of electrical equipment (or an electrical wiring circuit which connects different pieces of equipment together) is properly designed, then, if an electrical fault occurs, protective circuit breakers should trip and/or fuses should blow to stop the flow of any excessive current that is the result of the electrical fault, thus helping to prevent any fires and/or explosions from happening because the fault occurred.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

Non constant flow or fluctuation in flow of electricity can be considered as electricity fault.

<<>>

An electrical fault is when the circuit's load does not operate as it is designed to. This could be caused by grounding of the supply conductors which would trip the supply voltage off line. A spontaneous opening in the circuit preventing the voltage supply from getting to the load. Anything not designed into the circuit that stops the load from operating can be classed with the terminology "an electrical fault".

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is an electrical fault?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is a no fault switch?

There is no electrical terminology that refers to a "no fault switch".


What is a switch fault?

There is no electrical terminology that refers to a "no fault switch".


Is a fault?

An electrical fault is where the electrical current goes where it is not intended to go. Usually this is the quickest and shortest return path to the electrical supply service. An electrical fault will trip breakers and blow fuses in the circuit as protection to stop the short circuit.


A fault is a what?

An electrical fault is where the electrical current goes where it is not intended to go. Usually this is the quickest and shortest return path to the electrical supply service. An electrical fault will trip breakers and blow fuses in the circuit as protection to stop the short circuit.


What is the use for an electrical fuse?

To prevent overloading in case of an electrical fault in the equipment.


What is a NO switch?

There is no electrical terminology that refers to a "no fault switch".


What is a breaker and what is it used for?

An electrical breaker is a safety device used to open a circuit that has an electrical fault on it.


Where do electricians work?

they work when there is any power fault in electrical equipment or install electrical equipment.


What is electrical discrimination?

Electrical discrimination is when a smaller circuit breaker (fuse) located closer to an electrical fault, operates before a bigger circuit breaker which is further away from the fault. This then stops disruption to other circuits by knocking out the fuse which not only knocks out the fault, but all the other circuits with no faults on them.


Common electrical fault on Daewoo matiz?

My car is driving and then when it gets warm it lose power what can bethe fault


Why fault protection is essential.?

To prevent overheating/damage/fire of the electrical components in a circuit.


Do you need a ground fault breaker for your hot tub?

Yes, the electrical code requires a ground fault breaker for your hot tub.