In , Doug Miller wrote:
In article , Steve IA
wrote:

Can two extension cords, plugged together and covered with ice and snow
cause a direct short without breaking the circuit breaker?

Yep. The breaker won't trip unless the current exceeds the breaker's rated
capacity. A continuous 1A leak won't even come close to tripping a 15A
breaker, but costs you 1A * 120V * 24 hrs = almost 3 kwh per day.

A 1 amp leak is unusual - and serious. That is 120 watts. If there is
an actual 1 amp leak, most of that 120 watts of heat will probably be
being generated in a small localized area - maybe carbonizing or burning
up insulation somewhere.

A 1 amp leak through water will almost certainly cause some serious
electrolytic corrosion.

If you find such an animal as a 1 amp leak, find where it is occurring,
and repair it before you have a fire. I expect there to be damage and
maybe smoke.

- Don Klipstein )