In today’s world, we have made some certainly remarkable discoveries in the electrical area. In this field, we have as well made very important lessons and one of them is the importance of electrical currents grounding. Much as there have been countless benefits we have enjoyed from electricity use, it still is a deadly element in our everyday lives. As such, you must ensure that your electrical systems are grounded. Failure to do so would be the largest risk to take.
In the simplest of terms, grounding refers to a connection between your electrical appliances and the ground. In most electrical devices, for example, a grounded connection is done using a third prong. You will see this from many electrical cords and outlets.
With proper wiring, the ground connection provides the appliances and devices with a secure place to discharge any misdirected or excess electrical current. This can truly protect you from a hazardous electrical fire, shock as well as any other danger. Having said so, here are the main reasons you should ground all of your electrical currents.
Why Grounding Electricity Is Important
1) Protects from death, injury, and damage
Just think of a scenario where an electrical problem occurs, such as a power surge or a lightning strike, where no grounding of electrical systems exists. Well, the metal components will then serve as a conductive surface, which becomes electrically energised.
If a person accidentally comes in contact with either of these components, their body offers the electrical current a path to the ground. That is how people get electrically shocked.
In the worst-case situation, a power overload can lead to a fire. This is risky to not only physical injury but data loss and extensive property damage too.
2) Prevention Against Electrical Overload
Another reason grounding is important is by the mere fact that it secures your appliances, people and property. If power surges or lightning strikes for whatever reason, it will release very high voltages of electricity in the systems. In such a case, anything connected to an electrical system would fry if no grounding existed. Alternatively, all that excess electricity will be directed to the ground.
The grounding wire serves as over-voltage protection. In a case of a line surge or lightning, the ground wire offers an alternative track around an electric system.
3) Makes Voltage Levels Stable
The grounding of the electrical system helps in stabilising the power voltage levels. The right quantity of power is supplied to the right places. This plays a huge role as it helps to make sure the circuits are not blown and overloaded. The earth offers a reference point for all the excess voltage sources in electrical systems.
4) Controls Electrical Currents
A forth importance of grounding has to do with control of electrical currents. This makes it easy for electrical power to be directed straight to where it is needed. The electrical currents will then travel efficiently and safely throughout the electrical system.
5) The Ground Is A Great Conductor
Perhaps you are wondering why the earth is used as a track for the excess electrical voltage. Well, it is simply because it is the best conductor. Electrical experts do know that the excess electricity tends to take the path with the least resistance.
So, when your electrical system is grounded, you will give the excess electricity a place to go instead of into your appliances or you.
The grounding of electrical appliances is an easy and smart way to make them a whole lot safe. It is also a way to protect them against the actual likelihood of dealing with fluctuations in the supply of power. Most importantly, grounding is a great way to look out for the safety and health of every person around you.
Hence, if you really want to secure your important assets at home or office, then you should check whether your electrical system is indeed grounded. If it is not, reach Gordon’s Powers for that service. Our Sydney electrician will check your office or home wiring to know what action to take. So, if you think that your electrical system requires some alterations, it is usually safe to have an expert carry pout the upgrade instead of doing so yourself.