How much do you know or understand about “ground” wiring? Not many homeowner realize the importance of grounding. Ground wiring is essential to any home or building’s electrical systems. The ground wiring is part of the electrical system that assists with electrical safety. Burley Electrical Services will explain more about ground wiring systems and how they help protect your home and how, if the ground system is compromised, it can put your home safety at risk.
Primary Purpose of Grounding
Ground is basically the root wiring system that attaches to all of the outlets and light switches throughout the home and eventually connects back into the electrical panel. The ground wiring provides many functions to the entire electrical system. Its most important purpose however, is to remove the access power that can build up or even form power surges that causes overheating or overloads. When a home electrical system builds excess amounts of positive energy, that energy is pulled out of the home by the ground negative charged energy. Since ground wiring is underground, the excess energy is discharged safely.
Importance of Electrical Grounding
If the excess energy didn’t have anywhere to go, a simple spark could lead to full electrocution which can be powerful enough to lead to fires, or death. The excess energy is much like water that flows into any small or open space. The excess energy looks for pathways it can travel until it finds a discharge point, which typically is an outlet or electrical box. Some other discharge points can be through appliances or any electrical device. What most people don’t realize is that excess energy happens all the time and almost every day. Without the ground wiring, electrical safety would be a major concern. This is why ground wiring is essential and became standard for all electrical systems.
Inspection; How to Test for Proper Grounding
How to ensure your ground wiring is doing its job? The ground wiring should be inspected by a licensed electrician. The National Electric Code association has a dedicated inspection system and a list of requirements that all electrical systems, including the ground wiring, must pass and that all electrical inspectors do follow. The inspector will inspect the ground wiring and test for damages and ensure the ground wiring is performing its needed functions.
What Happens if Ground Wire is Not Connected?
Ground wiring can fail. This occurs when copper water lines fail to bond with the ground systems. This becomes a major concern because the copper water line can prevent proper discharge, and even create additionally pathways for the excess energy to travel. The energy can travel through the water lines and discharge into a person when using a water line or faucet. When water and electricity comes together it can lead to electrocution with enough power to kill those who make contact. During an electrical inspection of the ground wiring, this is one of the many faults the inspector will look for to help ensure not only the home’s safety, but all of the household members. If the home is older than 15 to 20 years in age and has never had an electrical inspection, it is strongly recommended you have the electrical system inspected.
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If your home or property hasn’t had an electrical inspection recently or requires electrical services, contact Burley Electrical Services. We can help ensure proper electrical safety and reliable power.
