What is the purpose of a grounding electrode system?

The purpose of a grounding electrode system is to connect electrical systems to the ground for safety. This system enhances the overall safety of electrical installations by providing a low-resistance path for fault currents, which helps to prevent electrical shock hazards and reduces the risk of equipment damage during faults or surges. By grounding electrical systems, it ensures that any stray voltages or lightning strikes are safely channeled away from users and sensitive equipment, minimizing the potential for accidents or failures.

The grounding electrode system also helps stabilize voltage levels during normal operation by tying the electrical system to the earth, essentially making it part of the reference point for electrical systems. This is crucial in maintaining proper operation of circuit protection devices, such as circuit breakers and fuses, which may otherwise not function correctly in the absence of a good grounding system.