What is a Ground Wire & Why Is It Important?

Most likely you've heard the term “ground wire” and you are probably aware that they are installed in outlets around your home. But how does it work and what do they actually do?

How Does Electrical Grounding Work?

Grounding gives electricity the most effective way to return to the ground via your electrical panel. A grounding wire gives an appliance or electrical device a safe way to discharge excess electricity. An electrical circuit relies on both positive and negative electricity. This connection is what gives an appliance or electronic device the power it needs to operate. If something goes wrong, there will be a buildup of energy. This can cause the electrical connection and housing to store that excess power. When an electrical malfunction occurs, this power will be stored in internal wiring and external metal housing. A static electric shock is a simple example. You'll only notice this buildup when a connection is made to let lost the electricity being stored. A circuit breaker will shut off when a short circuit occurs. However, without a grounding wire, the electricity will still be present.

Dangerous if Not Properly Grounded

The reason we use surge protectors for our electronics is due to this excess power. If the surge of electricity finds a path through the structural elements in your home, it can spark a fire. Or worse, if the electricity comes through the human body, it can travel between the part of your body touching the outlet and your feet on the floor, causing burns, nerve damage or even death if the surge is powerful enough.

A grounding wire takes the electricity that has built up during the malfunction and sends it outside of your home back into the ground. The grounding wire is typically connected to either a metal internal structure within the appliance, or on the external housing. When the malfunction happens, rather than having the energy build up in the circuit, it flows back to the ground and turns off the circuit.

This grounding wire is a connection where electricity can safely be discharged without posing a threat to your appliances or electronics, or put you at risk with electrical shock.

Check Around your Home

A grounding wire is a part of most electrical outlets, lights, appliances, and electronics. Most newer homes built after 1960 have grounded plugs as a standard. In most cases, the grounding wire is the third prong that is circular and at the bottom of a power plug. You would be able to tell at a glance walking around your home.

If you aren't sure or have questions about the grounding of your home? We can help. Call an Allstar Electrical Expert.