Why Does Electricity Need to Be Grounded?

Proper grounding is an integral part of electrical safety as it provides an efficient pathway for electricity to discharge. A grounding system directs excess electrical charges into the ground, where they can be discharged without the risk of electrocuting people, damaging electrical appliances, or even starting fires. Without grounding, voltage spikes or stray voltage could render electrical circuits dangerous or destructive.

At Mr. Electric, we understand the essential role of electrical grounding in your home’s electrical safety. In this article, we will explain why electrical grounding is important and why you need to hire a professional electrician to install grounding if your circuits are not grounded. If you need reliable electrical service in your home or business, reach out to Mr. Electric today.

How Does Electrical Grounding Work?

An electrical circuit consists of three wires—an active wire, a neutral wire, and a grounding wire. An active wire carries active voltage; a neutral wire carries the circuit back to the original source; and a grounding wire which provides an additional path for electrical current to return safely to the ground. When an electrical circuit is complete, negative charges flow through the active wire and return to the ground through the neutral wire.

If an electrical circuit breaks or malfunctions, electrical current could stray out of the system and damage electrical appliances, cause electrocution, or even start a fire. A grounding wire offers an efficient pathway for stray voltage to flow into the ground.

The Importance of Electrical Grounding

Eliminates Shock Hazard

When you do not ground your electrical system, you’ll put yourself and your family at a high risk of electrical shock or electrocution. In a properly grounded system, excess electricity is directed into the ground. But without adequate grounding, excess electricity may find a path to the ground through your body if you touch an ungrounded plug or outlet at the wrong moment.

Protects Equipment from Stray Voltage and Voltage Spikes

A dangerously high amount of voltage in your electrical system can completely damage your electrical appliances. A grounding wire offers a safe way for excess electricity to leave your home, thereby preventing damage to your appliances and electronics. If your electricity is not grounded, power surges could damage plugged-in electrical appliances. Furthermore, the electrical appliances or electronics you are using could electrocute you by passing the excess electrical current through you.

Prevents Electrical Fires

You may experience power surges as a result of electrical overload, lighting strikes, faulty wiring, power outages, and many other reasons. These events may produce dangerously high electricity, which can cause an electrical fire. By grounding your electrical system, the ground wires will ensure stray voltage is directed into the earth in a safe and controlled manner.

What Should I Do If My Circuits Are Not Grounded?

If your circuits are not grounded, make sure you call a professional electrician to carry out a thorough inspection of your electrical system and install proper grounding. It can be difficult to tell if your home is properly grounded or not without a professional inspection. If you are not sure if your home is properly grounded, call Mr. Electric today to inspect your electrical system and advise you accordingly. You can count on our experienced electricians for dependable electrical service.