What is the purpose of earth ground in electrical systems?

The purpose of earth ground in electrical systems is primarily to provide a safe path for electrical current. This is crucial in managing the risks associated with electrical faults. When there is a fault, such as a short circuit or a failure in insulation, the earth ground allows the excess current to safely dissipate into the ground rather than traveling through other unintended pathways, such as a person or a piece of equipment, which could lead to electric shock or fire hazards.

Grounding also helps to stabilize voltage levels and can aid in protecting equipment from surges and other transient voltages. However, its central role remains in ensuring safety by providing a definitive path for fault currents, thus minimizing the risk of electric shock and maintaining the integrity of the electrical system.