How Does Electrical Grounding Work?

When an electrician installs new electrical wiring in your home, he or she will always include a component called a grounding wire. Grounding is a key electrical feature in today’s wiring systems. Without a grounding wire, you and your loved ones could be at risk of being shocked by an electrical outlet or wire. As you are scheduling a lighting installation or residential electrical services with an electrician near Annapolis, you may want to ask whether a new grounding wire is needed for your home. Read on for a closer look at how electrical grounding works to protect you.

Neutralize an Electric Charge 

An electrical current naturally contains either a positive or negative electric charge. This electric charge is created by either an excess or deficit of negatively charged electrons.

Since these electrons are seeking stability, they will flow towards the earth in order to release their charges. With a grounding wire, your electrical system will provide negatively charged electrons with the shortest path to the ground. As a result, your grounding wire will be able to neutralize an electric charge.

Voltage Protection and Stabilization

In your home’s electrical system, grounding serves to provide voltage protection and voltage stabilization. For example, voltage protection is needed if your wiring receives an unintentional electric charge from a high voltage system. The grounding wire will transfer this extra charge safely to the earth, thus preventing the surge in electricity from traveling through your wiring and walls. Voltage stabilization is important when you are running multiple appliances from a single outlet.

Enhanced Safety and Protection

Finally, electrical grounding works to protect you and your family members from the dangers of electrical surges. During a power outage or other system disruption, your electrical wiring may surge with an excess electrical charge. Without a grounding system, this charge could cause a fire or electrical shock. Fortunately, your electrical grounding wire will be able to send any extra electrons safely to the earth where they cannot harm your loved ones or property.