maasähkövuoto

Massa sähkövuoto, often translated as "mass leakage" or "common mode leakage," refers to an electrical fault where current flows from a live conductor to a larger conductive body that is not intended to carry current. This conductive body is often referred to as the "mass" or "chassis" of an electrical device or system. Unlike a direct short circuit between two conductors, mass sähkövuoto involves current finding an unintended path to ground or a large metal structure.

This type of leakage can occur due to insulation failure, damaged wiring, or moisture ingress within an electrical appliance or installation. The conductive mass then becomes energized, potentially posing a significant safety hazard to anyone who touches it. This can result in electric shock.

Detecting and preventing mass sähkövuoto is a critical aspect of electrical safety. It is often identified through insulation resistance testing, where a high voltage is applied to the conductors, and the current flowing to the chassis is measured. Protective devices like residual current devices (RCDs) or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are designed to detect small current leakages to ground, including mass sähkövuoto, and quickly interrupt the power supply, thereby preventing electric shock. Proper grounding and bonding of conductive parts are also essential in mitigating the risks associated with this type of electrical fault.