Which of the following is a primary purpose of grounding in electrical installations?

The primary purpose of grounding in electrical installations is to provide a safe path for electrical faults. Grounding ensures that in the event of a fault, such as a short circuit, the electricity has a low-resistance pathway to the ground. This prevents the buildup of excess voltage that could lead to equipment failure, electrical shock, or even fires. By directing fault currents safely to the ground, grounding plays a critical role in the overall safety and reliability of electrical systems, helping to protect both the installations and the individuals who interact with them.

While enhancing power quality, improving circuit efficiency, and complying with building codes are important considerations in electrical design and safety, they do not address the fundamental safety role that grounding plays in managing electrical faults. Grounding is primarily about ensuring safety by mitigating the risks associated with electrical faults.