Ground serves as the universal reference potential for electrical circuits and the designated safe path for fault currents to dissipate into the soil. In power systems, tying the neutral point or equipment enclosures to ground ensures that hazardous voltages do not build up on exposed metalwork during a fault, triggering protective devices to clear the danger.
Make sure the chassis is tied to a solid ground before you energize the high-voltage supply.
Also heard as
- earth
- Grounded
- earthed
- Grounding
- earthing
Do not mix it up with
- Neutral conductor: Ground is for safety and fault currents, while the neutral carries normal return current in a circuit.
Related terms
Earthing
The practice of connecting electrical equipment and systems to the general mass of the earth.
Ground wire
A dedicated conductor that connects electrical equipment enclosures or system neutrals to the earth electrode.
Equipotential bonding
Connecting metal parts together so they sit at one potential and no dangerous voltage appears between them.