What do grounds protect in an electrical circuit?

Grounds in an electrical circuit serve a critical safety function by providing a path for electrical current to safely dissipate into the earth in case of a fault, thereby protecting both personnel and equipment. This is achieved by creating a direct connection to the ground, which can prevent dangerous voltage levels from building up that could result from faults, short circuits, or lighting strikes.

When there is a fault in an electrical system, such as insulation failure or a short circuit, the ground helps ensure that the excess electricity does not pose a threat to individuals who might come into contact with the equipment. Furthermore, grounding helps protect sensitive electronic equipment from damage caused by voltage surges or lightning strikes, which can lead to costly repairs or complete failures.

In summary, the function of grounding is twofold: it safeguards both the safety of personnel from electric shock and injury, and it helps to maintain the integrity and safety of electrical equipment by preventing damage from electrical faults.