What is Fault Current?
Fault Current refers to the excessive electrical current that flows through a circuit during a fault condition, such as a short circuit, ground fault, or equipment failure. This surge of current is significantly higher than the normal operating current and can cause severe damage to electrical components and pose serious safety hazards.
In both residential and commercial settings, understanding fault current is essential for selecting the right protective devices like circuit breakers and fuses. These devices must be rated to safely interrupt the fault current to prevent fires, equipment damage, or even injury. For example, if an appliance develops a short inside, the resulting fault current must be quickly isolated to avoid further risk.
Electricians use fault current calculations to determine the correct specifications for protective gear and ensure the electrical system complies with safety codes. Managing fault current effectively helps maintain system integrity, safety, and operational reliability.
