Leakage Current

Leakage current refers to the small current that flows from an electrical device to ground through insulation or an unintended path during normal operation. In foreign trade, this term commonly appears in specifications, test reports, and contracts for electronic and electrical products (such as power adapters, home appliances, and LED lamps), especially when safety certifications (e.g., UL, CE, CCC) strictly limit leakage current values (typically ≤0.25mA to 3.5mA, depending on the standard and application). Usage scenarios include: providing leakage current test data before product export; customer complaints about excessive leakage leading to returns; and contractual liability for non-compliance with safety standards. Note: Leakage current differs from 'dielectric withstand voltage test,' which applies high voltage to check insulation strength, whereas leakage current is the amount of leakage under operating conditions; excessive leakage current may cause electric shock hazards, leading to customs clearance failure or recalls. Foreign trade practitioners should clarify the safety limits of the target market and accurately specify test conditions (such as voltage and frequency) in technical documents.