What is meant by step potential in electrical terminology?

Step potential refers to the difference in electrical potential that occurs when a person or an object has one foot at a different electrical potential than the other foot. This situation most commonly occurs during electrical fault conditions or lightning strikes, where there is a voltage gradient on the ground, creating a difference in voltage between two points that can lead to electrical shock.

When a person or an animal stands with one foot closer to a point of high voltage (like a fallen power line), that foot could experience a different electrical potential than the foot that is further away. As a result, if the person completes a circuit by touching the ground with both feet, they can experience a potential difference that causes current to flow through their body, which can be harmful or fatal.

Understanding step potential is critical for linemen and electrical workers to prevent injuries while working near high-voltage equipment. Awareness of how potential gradients can occur helps in implementing safety measures when working with or around electrical systems.