leakage current

[ˈliːkɪdʒ ˈkɜːrənt]
nounpl: leakage currents
corrente de fuga
1. An unwanted electric current that flows through an insulating material or across an insulating surface, typically from a live conductor to ground or another conductor.
The leakage current in the old power supply was causing inefficiency and heat buildup.
A corrente de fuga no velho transformador estava causando ineficiência e acúmulo de calor.
2. In electronics, the small current that flows through a reverse-biased semiconductor junction or through a capacitor's dielectric.
Modern capacitors have very low leakage current specifications compared to older models.
Os capacitores modernos têm especificações de corrente de fuga muito menores comparadas aos modelos antigos.
3. A safety concern in electrical systems where insulation degradation allows current to escape unintentionally.
Excessive leakage current can indicate a ground fault and pose a shock hazard.
Uma corrente de fuga excessiva pode indicar uma falha de terra e representa risco de choque elétrico.
This is a specialized technical term used primarily in electrical engineering, electronics, and industrial safety contexts in both Brazil and the USA. Understanding leakage current is critical for electrical safety standards and equipment reliability. The term is consistent across both countries due to international technical standardization (IEC, IEEE standards). In Brazil, electrical engineers and technicians use 'corrente de fuga' in formal documentation, training, and compliance with safety regulations such as NBR 14136.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
leakageground currentfault currentstray currentinsulation leakage
Antonyms / Antônimos
normal currentrated currentnominal current

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
corrente de fuga
Standard technical term used in electrical engineering manuals and specifications
Portugal
corrente de fuga
Same term used; consistent with international technical standards
Technical Documentation
corrente de vazamento
Alternative term sometimes used, less common but understood

Related Words

insulation resistancedielectric strengthground faultcapacitive leakagereverse saturation currentground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)electrical safetyinsulation breakdown

Related Idioms & Phrases

ground fault detection
insulation failure
electrical leakage path
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