Electrical safety has come a long way since Thomas Edison screwed in his first light bulb just twenty years before the turn of the 20th century. With the technology being so new, builders installing electrical wiring didn’t think too much about the risks that come along with electrical power. Nowadays, we have certified electricians who are trained on how to manage electrical hazards. One of the most integral safety components of electrical systems today is grounding. Here is what you need to know about grounding and why it is so important.
How does it work?
Ideally, electricity is carried by two types of wires, negative and neutral or positive. You may notice these in your home where black and white wires run together. The black wires, which carry the negative charge, will always seek equilibrium and attempt to discharge their energy. That is what the neutral wires are for. If the neutral wires are ever broken or interrupted, that negative charge will travel through whatever it can touch. To avoid this, electricians will ground homes by using a metal rod or pipe driven into the ground. This works as a conductor for the haywire charge and allows the ground to absorb the shock.
What are the benefits?
The most obvious benefit of grounding is its ability to protect against electrical overload. Electrical surges can damage your appliances, electrical system, and even your family. Electricity should never be allowed to run rampant in your home. Otherwise, the destruction can be costly. Everything from televisions to your family pets are at risk of electrocution or electrical fire. Additionally, grounded electrical systems stabilizes voltage levels. This does a great job of ensuring your circuits are never overloaded. That will save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.
Provincial and national electrical codes are put in place to keep you and your family safe. Grounded systems are part of those codes because they diminish the risk of electrocution and fire. To ensure that your electrical system has all the components it needs to provide power safely, call the experts at 403-248-0037.