Wiring and circuits
Grounding
Grounding connects an electrical system and its metal parts to the earth, so fault current has a safe path and voltage stays limited.
OSHA defines a ground as a conducting connection, intentional or accidental, between an electric circuit or equipment and the earth. The DOE electrical safety handbook lists three purposes of grounding. The first is to limit excessive voltage from lightning, line surges and crossovers with higher voltage lines. The system uses a grounding electrode, such as a ground rod.
Bonding is related but separate. Grounding is a safety system, and a missing or loose connection may show only during a fault. A licensed electrician should inspect it. See the home electrical safety checklist.
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