What precaution can be taken to minimize step voltage hazards?

Improving soil conductivity around electrical installations is an effective precaution to minimize step voltage hazards. Step voltage, which can occur during a fault condition, is the electrical potential difference that a person might experience when standing on the ground or near a grounded structure.

When soil conductivity is enhanced, it allows for a more efficient dissipation of electrical energy into the earth, reducing the potential difference between points on the ground. This means that if a fault occurs, the voltage gradient is less steep, and the risk of experiencing harmful step voltage is decreased. By using materials or methods that improve the conductivity of the soil, such as adding conductive additives or saturating the ground with water during dry conditions, electrical safety can be greatly improved.

Other options, while they may have some relevance, do not specifically address the step voltage hazard as effectively as improving soil conductivity does. This is key to ensuring that individuals near electrical installations remain safer in the event of electrical faults.