Definition
An electrical safety system using a third wire to provide a safe path for excess current to ground, protecting against shock and fire. Proper grounding includes ground wires and rods.
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Find my pathAbout this term
Proper grounding protects against electrical shock and provides a safe path for fault current. Grounding includes a ground wire, grounding rod driven into soil, and bonded connections throughout the system. Ungrounded circuits (two-prong outlets) lack this protection and present shock hazards, particularly in wet areas. Modern code requires grounding for all circuits. Inspectors verify grounding presence and continuity through outlets and the panel.
Pro Tip
Two-prong outlets indicate ungrounded circuits. Gradually upgrade to three-prong, grounded outlets.
Example
An old home in Pennsylvania had ungrounded two-prong outlets throughout. A child received a significant shock from a bathroom outlet during a thunderstorm. An electrician installed GFCI protection on bathroom circuits and upgraded other circuits to grounded outlets.