Final answer:
A ground fault is when a connection forms between a live conductor and the ground, which can cause severe electrical shocks if grounding is improper.
Step-by-step explanation:
An occurrence when a connection between the current-carrying conductor and an electrical ground occurs is known as a ground fault. When the insulation of a wire wears out, it can lead to the live/hot wire coming into direct contact with the metal case of an appliance, potentially causing a ground fault. If the earth/ground connection is proper, safety devices like circuit breakers can trip, preventing injuries and forcing repair of the appliance. Without a proper ground, someone who comes into contact with the electrified case can receive a severe shock. Moreover, a device named a ground fault interrupter (GFI) is designed to protect against such dangers by monitoring the current in the live/hot and neutral wires, and tripping if it detects a potentially hazardous imbalance.