OSHA 10 Hour Construction Program Practice Test

What is the purpose of grounding in electrical safety?

1. To enhance signal strength

2. To prevent electrical current from passing through the body

3. To improve the performance of electrical devices

4. To reduce energy consumption

The correct answer is: To prevent electrical current from passing through the body

Grounding is a critical safety measure in electrical systems designed primarily to protect individuals from electrical shock. The purpose of grounding is to create a direct pathway for electrical current to flow back to the ground in case of a fault, such as a short circuit or equipment failure. By doing so, it prevents the electrical current from passing through a person's body, which could lead to serious injury or even death. Grounding effectively reduces the risk of electric shock by ensuring that any stray currents have a safe route to follow, rather than traveling through conductive materials or humans. This practice is an essential part of electrical safety and is mandated by various safety regulations, including those enforced by OSHA. The other options do not align with the primary safety function of grounding: enhancing signal strength pertains to communication systems; improving the performance of devices relates more to efficiency and design rather than safety; and reducing energy consumption does not directly connect to the purpose of grounding in electrical safety scenarios.