Why Electricity Has to Be Grounded?

As a property owner, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the term "electrical grounding" before. But do you know what purpose it serves in an electrical system?  

In this article, we will explain what electrical grounding is all about and why electricity needs to be grounded.

As the name implies, electrical grounding provides protection against high voltage by directing excess electricity into the ground where it discharges safely. A grounding wire connected to your electrical panel and outlets is dug into the ground outside your home to give excess electricity a safe place to go. Electrical circuits sometimes encounter power surges which can be destructive. Without electrical grounding, excess voltage would have nowhere to go and this would lead to electrical shocks and fires, appliance damage, and many other electrical risks. A grounding wire absorbs the excess power and directs it to the ground instead of building up in places where it can be dangerous.

How Does Electrical Grounding Work?

Electrical circuits contain three wires—an active wire that carries the electricity, a neutral wire that carries the power back to the original power source, and a ground wire that provides protection against excess electricity.

If something goes wrong along an electrical circuit, there may be excess power that could stray out of the circuit and damage appliances, shock someone, or start a fire. A grounding wire provides an additional path for stray voltage to return safely to the ground without causing damage or hurting anyone.

The Benefits of Proper Grounding

• Protects against electrical overloads: When power surges happen, the excess voltage introduced to the electrical circuit could completely damage your electrical appliances and outlets. Proper grounding will protect your electrical system in cases of lightning strikes, faulty wiring, electrical overloads, and power outages.
• Stabilizes voltage levels: Electrical grounding helps to keep voltage levels balanced at all times, thereby preventing the dangers that come with electrical overloads.
• Prevents serious damage and death: Without electrical grounding, excess voltage could damage your electronics and even start a fire, putting your loved ones at risk. When your property is grounded properly, all of the excess electricity is directed to the ground—rather than damaging appliances connected to your system.

How Do I Know If My Home or Business Is Properly Grounded?

If you live in an older home constructed before the 1960s, there are chances your home may not be properly grounded. An ungrounded electrical system is a disaster waiting to happen. If you’re not sure if your property is grounded, it’s best to call an experienced electrician to inspect your property and determine if it’s properly grounded. Even if your home or commercial property has electrical grounding, there are many factors that can affect safe grounding over time. It’s advisable to call an electrician to inspect your electrical grounding to ensure it’s in perfect working order.

Need Help with Electrical Grounding? Get in Touch with HomeOps Electric

Whether you are looking to install electrical grounding in your home, replace faulty electrical outlets, or conduct an electrical inspection in your home, get in touch with HomeOps Electric for help. Our electricians have what it takes to handle all of your electrical needs, including electrical outlet replacement, electrical panel replacement, whole house surge protection, lighting repair, ceiling fan installation, and more.