Why is it necessary to install surge protection devices alongside grounding systems?

Installing surge protection devices alongside grounding systems is crucial for channeling excess voltage away from sensitive equipment. When electrical surges occur, such as during lightning strikes or sudden fluctuations in current, these surges can cause damage to electronic devices and systems if not properly managed. Surge protection devices act as a first line of defense, diverting potentially harmful excess voltage safely to ground.

Grounding systems alone are designed to provide a path for fault currents and to stabilize voltages during normal operation, but they do not actively limit or dissipate voltage surges caused by external events. By using surge protection devices in conjunction with grounding systems, the risk of equipment failure is significantly reduced, making it essential in protecting sensitive electronic components and ensuring operational integrity.

The other options do not accurately describe the purpose of surge protection devices. Increasing grounding resistance, eliminating the need for grounding, or enhancing the electrical conductivity of grounding conductors do not align with the core function of surge protection which is to manage voltage spikes effectively.