Which type of current does not flow through the intended circuit?

Stray current refers to electrical current that is unintentionally flowing through paths outside of the intended circuit, often due to a fault or a lack of proper electrical insulation. This can occur for various reasons, such as poor grounding, corrosion in conductive materials, or the presence of moisture, which can conduct electricity. Stray current is a common concern in cathodic protection systems, where it can cause corrosion on unintended structures, leading to safety hazards and increased maintenance costs.

In contrast, leakage current flows from the intended circuit to ground, often due to insulation failure. Static current typically refers to an accumulation of electric charge that creates an electrostatic field, while residual current denotes the current remaining in a circuit after switching off or disconnecting it. Each of these types of current has distinct characteristics and implications, making stray current unique in that it is specifically defined as current traveling outside the intended pathway.