---
title: "What Is Grounding? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "Grounding connects an electrical system and its metal parts to the earth, so fault current has a safe path and voltage stays limited."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

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](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding-electrode), such as a [ground rod](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ground-rod).

[Bonding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/home-electrical-safety-checklist).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Ground rod](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ground-rod)
-   [Grounding electrode](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding-electrode)
-   [Bonding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/bonding)
-   [Equipment grounding conductor](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/equipment-grounding-conductor)

## Sources

1.  [OSHA: 1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399)
2.  [U.S. Department of Energy: DOE Handbook, Electrical Safety (DOE-HDBK-1092-98)](https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/DOE-HDBK-1092-98.pdf)

TECL #21005 · Family owned since 1988

## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

![A Daniel Electric bucket lift raised to a parking lot light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/_astro/bucket-at-light-pole.BSVZ9eST_1Dp6XR.webp)