Electrical grounding in the home

The electrical system in your home has a built in grounding system for safety. The word ground is used because power companies use the ground as a reference point to measure voltage from power plants. The earth or ground is neutral and does not carry electrical current to your home. The earth is used as a safety to distribute errant electrical currents. In most electrical system grounding configurations a ground rod is driven eight feet into the earth. The ground rod is typically positioned close to the area where the electrical service enters the home. If a short circuit develops it will be carried to ground through the ground rod. The short circuit should also trip the circuit breaker as well. If there is a problem with the electrical grounding system a serious and dangerous problem may occur. Instead of the electrical current being carried to ground it could travel to a person who is working with the electrical appliance at the time.

There are several possible grounding issues that can occur in a home: There can be loose or missing ground rods or grounding electrodes There can be loose electrical connections in the home Corrosion in the meter or electrical panel box Improperly or amateur installed electrical wiring in the home Faulty electrical equipment in the home.

Ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles (GFCI’s) have a very high sensitivity to electrical malfunction. These receptacles should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and in outside applications. A small amount of current will trip the GFCI receptacle cutting power off to the outlet before harm can be done to a person. The GFCI can trip much more quickly then the circuit breaker installed in the main electrical panel box.