Fault:
A fault in an electrical equipment is defined as a defect in its electrical circuit due to which the current is diverted to the un-intended path.
Causes:
Generally caused by breaking of conductors or failure of insulation
Other causes:
• Mechanical failure
• Accidents
• Excessive stresses
Fault Classification:
- Open circuit - most common fault
- Single line to ground fault - most common fault
- Line to line fault
- Double line to ground fault
- Three phase fault – Dead short circuit
- Three phase to ground fault – Rare fault
* Faults cannot be eliminated but can be minimized
