Why Is Grounding Necessary in Electricity?

Many measures have been created to protect people, equipment and homes from electrical shock associated with lightning and other forms of electricity. There have also been mandates that make 120-volt and 240-volt circuit grounding a requirement. You may know of some safety measures for your equipment, such as circuit breakers, but there are other precautions that help to save your life and home from the dangers of electricity. One of the key protection agents used is grounding equipment.

Types

• American wiring has a third prong located in wall outlets that acts as a grounding wire for equipment that is plugged into it. This prong is connected to a grounding wire that connects to the system's grounding electrode. There are also other grounding devices for electrical systems such as lightning protection systems that use lightning rods mounted on the top of buildings that connect to wires that carry the electricity to the ground.

Function

• Grounding carries electrical current to the ground or earth through conductive materials. The electrical current then disperses into the earth and is neutralized where it does not present a threat. There are also grounding systems that allow workers who work around electrical items to ground themselves using a band that is plugged into a grounding system.

Significance

• Grounding equipment helps to reduce damage when there is a malfunction such as a shortage or lightning. Although some materials such as wood and rubber are not conductive (they don't allow electrical charges to pass through them), they can still explode or catch fire, especially if they are wet. Water is a conductor and will allow electricity to pass easily. Since our bodies are composed of 70 percent water, we are all conductors as well.

Considerations

• Electricity travels through the most conductive route. Grounding wires and systems are generally made of highly conductive materials that allow electricity from malfunctioning equipment or lighting to pass easily to the ground. This gives electricity an easier path to follow rather than your body.

Warning

• Working around equipment or electrically charged materials that aren't grounded can greatly increase the chances of electrical shock. Electrical shock can cause death, especially in cases when it has an easy path to the heart, brain, lungs or other major organs. Type C fire extinguishers must be used for electrical fires. Never use water to put out electrical fires since this can create another conductive path for electricity to follow.