Why are electrical systems and equipment grounded?

Grounding electrical systems and equipment is primarily done to protect personnel, equipment, and facility cabling. By connecting electrical systems to the ground, any excess electrical energy, such as from a fault, can safely dissipate into the earth. This helps prevent electrical shocks to individuals working with or near the equipment, as a grounded system minimizes the risk of dangerous voltages appearing in the conductive parts of the equipment or the surrounding environment.

Moreover, grounding provides a reference point for the system voltage, which helps stabilize the voltage levels and protects electronic devices from transient overvoltages. In addition to safeguarding people, grounding also protects the equipment and infrastructure from damage that could arise from fault conditions or lightning strikes, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of electrical systems.

Other choices do not emphasize the primary protective role of grounding effectively. While they might address certain aspects of electrical behavior, they do not capture the fundamental reason for grounding, which is safety and protection from electrical faults.