What is Stray Current?
Basic Electrical What is Stray Current? Imagine electricity as a dedicated workforce, diligently following the wires and components laid out for its specific tasks within an electrical system. However, sometimes, a portion of this workforce, known as stray current, deviates from its intended path. Instead of confining itself to the insulated pathways designed for it, this errant electricity finds alternative routes, often through the earth itself or other conductive materials that happen to be nearby. This phenomenon of stray current is particularly prevalent in direct current (DC) power systems. Think of the bustling network of electric trains, trams, and metros that power our cities. These systems often utilize the rails as a return pathway for the electrical current that propels the vehicles. However, due to imperfections in insulation or breaks in the continuity of the rail lines, a portion of this current can leak out and find its way into the surrounding gr...