---
title: "What Is Ground fault? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A ground fault happens when current takes an unintended path to ground, such as through a metal box, a wire or a person."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ground-fault
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Wiring and circuits

# Ground fault

A ground fault happens when current takes an unintended path to ground, such as through a metal box, a wire or a person.

The CPSC describes a ground fault as one in which an ungrounded line conductor touches a metal enclosure or other grounding conductor. OSHA says a GFCI trips when current to ground goes above a set value, one lower than what operates the regular breaker. This leak is what causes shock.

A [GFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/gfci) is the device made to catch ground faults. Kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor spots are common places for them. Repeated trips need a licensed electrician. A [short circuit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/short-circuit) is a related fault. See [GFCI vs AFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/gfci-vs-afci).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [GFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/gfci)
-   [Short circuit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/short-circuit)
-   [Grounding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding)
-   [Arc fault](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/arc-fault)

## Sources

1.  [CPSC: New Technology for Preventing Residential Electrical Fires](https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/AFCIFireTechnology.pdf)
2.  [OSHA: 1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399)

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