The answer
Ordinary validator downtime typically incurs missed rewards or smaller inactivity penalties, whereas protocol slashing is aimed at specific provably conflicting validator behaviour.
What to do next
Check validator health, client updates and the current penalties documentation before changing configurations. Avoid running duplicate validator keys at once.
Etherscan
This resource helps with the question, but is not presented as a commissionable partner.
Visit Etherscan ↗Useful research or product resource; no affiliate status assumed.RELATED PRODUCT OR SERVICE
Ledger hardware wallet
Relevant hardware-backed signing for supported assets; it does not eliminate gas fees, contract vulnerabilities or approval risks.
Explore Ledger hardware wallet ↗Official website; affiliate programme available to apply for. No tracked link or partner approval yet.Related crypto questions
Frequently asked questions
Is downtime itself always a slashing offence?
No. Slashing and inactivity penalties are distinct mechanisms.