What term describes the flow of current through unintended paths in electrical systems?

Stray current refers to the flow of electrical current through unintended paths in a circuit, primarily caused by an electrical fault or an improper grounding condition. This type of current can occur in various environments, such as in soil, water, or even in metallic structures, and it poses a risk of corrosion to nearby pipelines and other infrastructure. Stray current is a concern in cathodic protection systems, as it can interfere with the protective measures designed to safeguard against corrosion.

Leakage current, while similar in that it involves unintentional current flow, typically denotes the small amount of current that leaks through insulation and can reach the ground or a conductive surface. Ground current specifically refers to current that is intentionally directed to the ground, which is a part of many electrical systems but does not capture the unintended aspect of stray current.

Understanding stray current is crucial for professionals involved in corrosion prevention and electrical safety, as it plays a significant role in the performance and reliability of cathodic protection systems and overall electrical system integrity.