How does physical separation of grounding conductors and power conductors enhance safety?

The physical separation of grounding conductors and power conductors is essential for enhancing safety because it specifically reduces the likelihood of inducing voltage on the grounding conductors. When power conductors and grounding conductors are run in close proximity, electromagnetic fields produced by the current flowing in the power conductors can create induced voltages within the grounding conductors. This induced voltage can undermine the effectiveness of the grounding system, posing risks such as electric shock hazards and equipment malfunction.

By keeping these conductors physically separated, the potential for induced voltages is minimized, ensuring that the grounding system remains reliable and effective in providing a safe path for fault currents. This separation is a critical safety measure, as it helps to maintain a stable and low-impedance grounding system, which is vital for protecting both personnel and equipment in the event of a fault.