[Zeke]

GFCI's, if present, measure the difference in current between the neutral and ground.

I had a hot go to ground in the same way as Bill's and it did not trip the breaker. It went to an outside light fixture underground. The light did not work but I could hear buzzing in the box if I switched it on. I did not test the wires at the other end. I could not pull new wires either it was so corroded, so I abandoned the whole thing.