Which component is typically included in a grounding system?

In a grounding system, grounding electrodes are fundamental components. They provide a direct electrical connection to the earth, allowing fault currents to safely dissipate into the ground. This is critical for ensuring safety in electrical systems, as it helps to prevent electric shock hazards and reduces the risk of fire caused by electrical faults. Grounding electrodes can include various types of conductors, such as ground rods, plates, or other means of making contact with the earth.

In comparison, while fuses, switches, and transformers serve important functions in electrical systems, they do not contribute to the grounding aspect. Fuses are protective devices that interrupt current flow in case of overloads; switches control the flow of electricity; and transformers are used to change voltage levels, but none of these components provide a pathway to ground, which is the essential role of grounding electrodes in a grounding system.