Leakage current

Leakage current is an unwanted flowing alternating current between electrical poles which possesses different levels of voltage potential. The maximum limit values for the leakage current are established in some regulations for installations and devices (e.g. DIN VDE 0100 maximum 0.75 mA, DIN VDE 0750 maximum 0.25 mA). Some of the possible measurement configurations are listed below (e.g. substitute leakage current measurement based upon DIN VDE 0701). The leakage current of a piece of electrical equipment ought to be small, since an additive buildup of current takes place on the mains as a result of the simultaneous operation of several devices.

 

A: Measurement configuration for the determination of the leakage current for devices of the protection class I
B: Measurement configuration for the determination of the leakage current for devices of the protection class II
C: Measurement configuration for the determination of the leakage current between primary and secondary