stray current

[/streɪ ˈkɜːrənt/]
nounpl: stray currents
corrente parasita
1. An unintended electric current that flows through an undesired path, typically in electrical systems or soil, often causing corrosion or interference
The engineers discovered stray current was corroding the underground metal pipes.
Os engenheiros descobriram que a corrente parasita estava corroendo os tubos de metal subterrâneos.
2. In cathodic protection systems, unwanted current that deviates from its intended circuit path
Stray current from the railway system damaged nearby buried cables.
A corrente parasita do sistema ferroviário danificou os cabos enterrados próximos.
3. Electrical current that leaks or escapes from its intended circuit due to poor insulation or grounding
Stray current in the hospital's electrical system posed a safety risk to patients.
A corrente parasita no sistema elétrico do hospital representava um risco de segurança para os pacientes.
This is primarily a technical term used in electrical engineering, construction, and infrastructure industries in both Brazil and the USA. It is particularly important in discussions of railway systems, pipeline protection, and medical device safety. The term reflects growing concerns about infrastructure integrity and safety in industrialized countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
leakage currentparasitic currentvagrant currenterrant current
Antonyms / Antônimos
intended currentnominal currentdesigned current

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
corrente parasita
Most common technical term used in electrical engineering contexts
Brazil - Engineering
corrente errante
Alternative term, less common but used in some technical contexts
Portugal
corrente parasita
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; standard technical terminology
Portugal - Alternative
corrente de fuga
Sometimes used when referring to current leakage specifically

Related Words

cathodic protectioncorrosiongroundinginsulationelectrical circuitcurrent leakage

Related Idioms & Phrases

stray current corrosion
stray current interference
control stray current
eliminate stray current
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