<P> In an electric power system , a fault or fault current is any abnormal electric current . For example , a short circuit is a fault in which current bypasses the normal load . An open - circuit fault occurs if a circuit is interrupted by some failure . In three - phase systems , a fault may involve one or more phases and ground , or may occur only between phases . In a `` ground fault '' or `` earth fault '' , current flows into the earth . The prospective short - circuit current of a predictable fault can be calculated for most situations . In power systems , protective devices can detect fault conditions and operate circuit breakers and other devices to limit the loss of service due to a failure . </P>
<P> In an electric power system , a fault or fault current is any abnormal electric current . For example , a short circuit is a fault in which current bypasses the normal load . An open - circuit fault occurs if a circuit is interrupted by some failure . In three - phase systems , a fault may involve one or more phases and ground , or may occur only between phases . In a `` ground fault '' or `` earth fault '' , current flows into the earth . The prospective short - circuit current of a predictable fault can be calculated for most situations . In power systems , protective devices can detect fault conditions and operate circuit breakers and other devices to limit the loss of service due to a failure . </P>
what is meant by fault in power system
what is meant by fault in power system
any abnormal electric current
any abnormal electric current