What is the primary purpose of a grounding system?

The primary purpose of a grounding system is to prevent electrical shock and fire hazards. Grounding provides a safe path for fault currents to flow in the event of a fault condition, directing these currents away from people and sensitive equipment. By establishing a connection to the earth, grounding ensures that any stray voltage is safely dissipated, which helps in minimizing the risks associated with electrical shock to individuals. Additionally, proper grounding can help prevent electrical fires that may result from short circuits or equipment failures.

While enhancing system efficiency, providing a return path for current, and reducing electromagnetic interference are important aspects of electrical systems, these factors are not the main intention behind grounding. The foremost goal of grounding is to ensure safety by mitigating hazards associated with electrical faults.