Why Electricity Has To Be Grounded

Electricity has dramatically improved the quality of life on earth, but it remains one of the deadliest hazards in any household. The electrical system has to be grounded to minimize the risk of injury. But what exactly is the purpose of grounding?

Why electricity needs to be grounded

Wiring and circuits sometimes encounter excess power, especially during or before a storm. Surplus amounts of power can be a huge threat, which is where grounding comes into play. Firmly positioned into the ground outside your home, ground wires drastically lower the dangers associated with excess electrical charges. They absorb the charges and prevent them from making their way into the house or business and overloading the circuits.

In addition, ground wires act as a surge protector. For instance, a lightning strike and the accompanying electrical surge can often destroy a TV, cell phone, or computer. Surge protectors help prevent this, leaving your electricals unscathed.

Why electricity travels to the ground

Therefore, it will go to a destination with the lowest risk of flow disruption. The earth is perfect for electricity since it’s filled with positively charged particles. Although large structures (e.g., buildings) can be struck by lightning, electricity prefers the earth where there’s less resistance.

How to recognize grounded and ungrounded circuits

Assessing whether a home is properly grounded requires a professional inspection. Still, there are a few details for homeowners to look for, such as the outlets.

Two-prong outlets are not grounded and should be upgraded to ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) as soon as possible. Three-prong ones are generally safe, as they’re grounded through the middle prong. However, even three-prong outlets might not be properly grounded. Houses built 60 and 70 years ago are often plagued by this. To verify their condition, reach out to an experienced electrician.

What to do with ungrounded circuits

Ungrounded electrical systems are a disaster waiting to happen. To address this, contact a local electrician as soon as you notice faulty or non-existent grounding. They can rewire each circuit to prevent overloads.

Another option is to replace your outlets with GFCIs. These offer effective protection against excess electricity by interrupting its flow at the detection of a fire, shock, or another hazard.

GFCIs are typically installed in high-risk areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, workshops, garages, basements, and laundry rooms. These rooms are prone to dampness, increasing the chances of electrical shocks. To minimize the chances of injury or even death, you might want to contact a trusted electrician about installing GFCIs in your home.

If you need a fast, affordable electrician for your home or business, call RSB Electrical at 480-485-4284.