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Askelsähköisyys, often translated as "step voltage" or "touch voltage" depending on the context of the electrical potential, refers to a voltage difference that can exist between two points that a person might touch or stand upon. This phenomenon typically occurs during electrical faults, such as a downed power line or a fault in an electrical system, where current flows into the ground. The earth's resistivity causes the current to spread outwards, creating a potential gradient across the ground surface.

When a person is standing on the ground, their feet can be at different electrical potentials due to this gradient. The voltage difference between their feet is the askelsähköisyys, or step voltage. If a person is also touching a grounded object, such as a metal fence or a vehicle, at the same time, the voltage difference between their feet and the object they are touching is referred to as kosketussähköisyys, or touch voltage.

Both step and touch voltages can be dangerous, as they can cause electric shock. The severity of the shock depends on the magnitude of the voltage, the path the current takes through the body, and the duration of contact. Safety measures, such as proper grounding, insulation, and protective equipment, are implemented in electrical systems to minimize the risk of dangerous step and touch voltages. Understanding these concepts is crucial for electrical safety in areas where electrical equipment is present, especially during fault conditions.