Grounded electrical outlets are a common feature in most homes and businesses in the United States. But how do they work? And why are they important?
Most electrical outlets in the U.S. have three holes: two for the hot wires (carrying the electricity) and one for the ground wire. The ground wire is there to protect you from electrical shocks.
If there is a problem with the hot wires, the ground wire provides a path for the electricity to go into the ground instead of into your body. This protects you from being electrocuted.
Grounded outlets are required by the National Electrical Code in many situations, such as when outlets are installed in damp locations or near metal surfaces.
The ground wire is connected to a metal rod that is driven into the ground. This rod is called a grounding rod. The grounding rod provides a path for the electricity to go into the ground if there is a problem with the hot wires.
Grounded outlets are important because they provide a safe way to use electricity. They help protect you from electrical shocks that could hurt you or even kill you.
