Why Grounding Your Home is Important – Part 1

Within every electrical circuit there is an active wire that provides power and a neutral wire that returns the electrical current. A grounding wire can be connected to electrical devices and outlets then attached securely to the ground at the electrical panel. This grounding wire gives another outlet for electrical current to safely return to the ground without endangering people should a short circuit occur. In the even of a short circuit, current would flow through the ground wire and blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker. Either result is better than an electrical shock that may cause injury or death.

The Five Most Important Reasons for Grounding

1) Electrical Overload Protection

Grounding electrical current helps protect a home, residents, and the appliances inside from surges in electricity. Lightning strikes and power surges generate hazardously high voltages of electricity within a system. When an electrical system is grounded, excess electrical current will travel into the earth, as opposed to burning out all that is attached to an electrical system.

2) Assists Directing Electricity

A grounded electrical system makes it easy for power to be directly sent to all the locations where it is needed. Grounding enables electrical current to travel with safety and efficiency through the entire electrical system.

3) Voltage Level Stabilization

Grounding also eases the distribution of the proper amount of electricity to be distributed to the correct locations, playing an important part in ensuring circuits do not overload and blow.

4) Earth is a Great Conductor

Grounding helps ensure safety due to the fact that earth is a great conductor. When an electrical system is grounded, excess current will invariably take the path of least resistance to the ground, rather than into people, perhaps saving lives.

5) Prevention of Harmful Electricity

A home lacking a properly grounded electrical system is a place where appliances risk being irreparably damaged by excess current. A power overload is also capable of causing an electrical fire that may result in data loss, property damage, bodily injury or death.

Part 2 will cover the workings of home electrical grounding and safety tips.

Electrical Peace of Mind

Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs. For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. They will be very glad to help you.