lekstroom

Lekstroom, or leakage current, is the unwanted flow of electric current through insulation or via unintended conductive paths in an electrical system. It can travel from live parts to earth, to metal enclosures, or between circuits, even when a device is switch off or appears undisturbed. Leakage currents are typically small and arise from imperfect insulation, moisture, dirt, aging, or design features such as EMI filters, capacitors, or suppression networks that provide a parasitic path to ground.

In practice, leakage current depends on design, condition and the supply characteristics. It can range from microamps to milliamps and may vary with voltage, temperature and humidity. While small leakage currents are normal in many devices, larger or uncontrolled leakage can cause electric shock risk, nuisance tripping of protective devices, electromagnetic interference, or unwanted energy consumption.

Measurement and testing of leakage current involve insulation resistance testing (megohmmeter, hipot tests) and specialized leakage meters or high-impedance monitoring during operation. In service, leakage is managed through good insulation, proper sealing, moisture control, and regular maintenance. Protective measures include correct grounding, the use of Class I (grounded) or Class II (double-insulated) equipment, and the implementation of residual current devices (RCDs) to detect imbalances caused by leakage.

Standards governing leakage current vary by country and application, with stricter limits for medical and sensitive equipment. Understanding and controlling lekstroom is important for safety, reliability, and energy efficiency in electrical systems.