Determining the ground outlet is not so hard. Outlets having three holes rather than two holes ( two prongs ) and one situated beneath the holes are the grounded outlets.
All modern houses are equipped with grounded outlets because it provides safety to your house/office electrical system.
A Brief Introduction To Grounding Receptacle
Electrical devices have outlet ground for various safety reasons. Outlet grounding offers a safe path of less resistance to stray voltage for following. Grounding systems direct the excess voltage to the ground where it safely discharges instead of staying up in places as it will be dangerous.
Without grounding, either equipment damages or power surges may lead to dangerous and destructive electrical circuits. They could harm attached electrical appliances, start fires, or give an electric shock to people around when it is touched.
Hence, grounding is the essential feature for the electrical system of any structure. Electrical codes are also required for all the new construction.
Purpose Of Ground Wire
As per the name, the ground wire is installed in the earth outside the home. The primary purpose of the ground wiring is to serve as a safety measure eliminating the excess or unwanted power voltage from the house. The ground wire is connected to the electric panel and all electrical outlets in the house.
The concept of the ground wire is quite simple, i.e., opposites attract. Thus, the positive charge of the system is drawn to the negative charge of energy in the ground and provides the safe space for the excess energy discharge.
The ground wire is the requirement for safety and protection. When there is a surplus of electricity and no room for the energy to go, there are high chances of fires or electrocution. Home electrical systems can lead to more electricity-related accidents.
Ensure that excess electricity is standard in a commercial setting and at homes; thus, grounding is a need. When you plug in the electrical device/appliance, a power that is not used and is in excess will need a safe place underground for its discharge.
Why Do We Need Grounding Outlets For Electrical Systems?
From the above section, you already have an idea of how important is the grounding electrical system for your home. Here are some reasons why we need grounding electrical systems –
Protection Against Overloads
The most important reason for the grounding system is that it protects your home, appliances, and everyone in it from electrical surges. If the lighting is to power or strike at your place for any reason, it produces high voltages in your system that can be dangerous. If the electrical system is in danger, all the excess electricity will go deep into the earth.
Gives A Help To Direct Electricity
Having the electrical system grounded indicates that you made it easy for power to direct straight to wherever you require. This allows electrical currents to pass through the electricity system efficiently and safely.
Stable The Levels Of Voltage
Ground outlet electrical systems make it easy to distribute power to all right places at the right proportion that can play a significant role in helping to make sure circuits are not blown and overloaded.
The earth offers the standard reference point for many sources of voltage in the system.
Earth Proves To Be The Best Conductor
The critical reason grounding helps make you safe and secure is that the earth is the best conductor. And with this, excess electricity takes the path of less resistance. Keeping the electrical system grounded, you are saving your house and your life.
Keeps You Safe From Death, Injury, And Damage
Without correct electrical wiring ground, you are at risk of appliances damaging or exploding you have connected to the system. The power overloading can lead to fire, leading to threats, physical injury, etc.
Other Risks You Prevent When You Get Ground Wiring System
There are a variety of hazards that grounding outlet prevents injuries and damage –
- Health hazards such as serious shock risk.
- Electric fire risk on walls, furniture, fabrics, and so on.
- Unorganized and messy wires
And many more.
Wrapping Up
If you notice any ungrounded outlets at your home or business, the above guide is undoubtedly for you. Ensure to have the electrical system grounded to be safe and secure.