The Fault reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Fault

In document ISO/CD 10303-226 fault is defined as an abnormal condition or defect at the component, equipment, or sub-system level which may lead to a failure.

According to Federal Standard 1037C, the term fault has the following meanings:

1. An accidental condition that causes a functional unit to fail to perform its required function.
2. A defect that causes a reproducible or catastrophic malfunction. A malfunction is considered reproducible if it occurs consistently under the same circumstances.
3. In power systems, an unintentional short-circuit, or partial short-circuit, between energized conductors or between an energized conductor and ground.

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A geological fault is a crack or joint between two blocks of earth (usually tectonic plates) that are moving or have moved relative to each other. Earthquakes often occur along faults.

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