Device for detection of electric current by micro-leakage

Detection device associated with an electric appliance and an electronic circuit (10) to detect a leakage current traversing, at least partially, a portion of the body of a user of the electric appliance when said body part comes in contact with electric contact means (2) arranged on a handle means of the appliance, thus assuring transmission of the leakage current from the electronic circuit (10) toward the body of the user, and permitting control of at least one part of the functioning of the electric appliance by, respectively, a contact or a separation between the handle means and the user,

• characterized in that said electric contact means comprise two electric contacts (2) electrically insulated from one another and each connected to a respective leakage current detection stage, in a manner to permit a detection when the leakage current circulates between the electric contacts (2), and to permit a detection when said current circulates between one of the electric contacts (2) and ground.