As a homeowner, it is likely that you have heard of grounding in electricity, yet what does it really mean and why does it matter? Electrical grounding allows for an alternate pathway that routes your electrical current to flow back into the ground. Specifically if there happens to be a fault in your wiring system. If there is a malfunction, the grounding wire allows the built up electricity to be sent outside of your home. The electricity goes back into the ground, allowing for a safe discharge of electricity. Without this wire, the electricity would still be present and an electrical hazard could occur. Continue reading to find out what exactly electrical grounding is crucial for your home.
Balances Voltage Levels
Electrical grounding allows your home’s electrical system to deliver the correct amount of power to the necessary places. Rather than fearing a potentially overloaded circuit, you can guarantee that your appliances will be safe. Grounding is a stable reference point for voltage sources.
Safety Precautions For Grounding in Electricity
Ensuring your home is a safe place is beyond important, as no one wants to put their home at risk. Excess electricity can lead to many issues. From fire hazards to property risks, or destroying the beloved and costly devices that may be plugged in. With too much electricity these outcomes are highly possible and occur more frequently than you may assume. Which is why it is important to have a secure place for excess electricity to discharge.
Protection Against Electrical Overloads
Power surges may occur in the case you are exposed to extreme weather or lightning, as they may produce extreme electricity that could result in damage to electrical appliances. Through proper grounding with your electrical system, excess electricity will naturally be sent into the ground rather than destroying your electrical appliances. Therefore grounding is especially beneficial for those in extreme climates.
Now, how can you find out if your device or appliance is designed to be grounded? If your cord has three wires and the plug contains three prongs, the third prong and wire create a ground link from the appliance to the grounding of the electrical system. You can also find out if your electrical system is grounded by taking a look at your outlets. Once again, three prong outlets often mean your electrical system will have a grounding wire, which is one of the three wires.
Grounding in the electrical system is extremely important to keep your home, loved ones and belongings safe. If you are interested in learning more about grounding your electrical system, or finding out if your electrical system is grounded, the experts at AJ’s Electrical are here to help. Since 2003, our team of experts at AJ’s Electrical Service & Repair have been assisting customers throughout the Lower Mainland with their electrical needs. Contact us today for assistance or more information on electrical wiring.
