True or False: A ground fault occurs when current flows through an unintended path to ground.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Only in DC circuits

Answer: (A)

A ground fault means current leaves its intended path and travels to ground through an unintended route. This is what creates a shock hazard and is what ground-fault protection (like a GFCI) looks for—any leakage of current to ground that isn’t returning through the proper conductors.

So the statement is true: current flowing through an unintended path to ground is exactly what a ground fault is. Ground faults can occur in both AC and DC circuits, not just DC, and they aren’t the same thing as a simple hot-to-neutral short. The “Not sure” option isn’t applicable, and the idea that it happens only in DC circuits is incorrect.