During operation, a load may suffer component failure, a short or open-circuit condition, or a hazard that requires remediation to prevent jeopardizing an operator or environment.

Fault detection requires being vigilant in assessing possible risks and coming up with ways to detect and classify violations.

Fault detection establishes a contract or specification with the load and defines conditions in which the contract may be broken.

The most basic form of fault detection is a fuse which opens in the event that excessive current demand is detected.