Are all the electric shocks associated with only the phase conductors? Have you ever thought of the earth pin? Do they render electric shocks? Do they opt only for the protection purpose? Continue reading more to find the answers to all the mentioned queries.
We know the significance of the earth pin in an electrical installation. Every installation with exposed metallic surfaces must have an earth pin along with the phase and neutral pins. In the event of any fault current in contact with the exposed metallic surfaces; the resulting high fault current automatically flows through the earth pin to the ground and protect us from electric shocks.
Causes of Earth Leakages
There are several factors which affect the electrical wirings in the buildings. Ageing of wires, improper insulation, and loose wiring contacts etc can lead to the event of current leakages. Rats and other pests are known to gnaw the wirings. This might lead to short circuits and thereby significant fault current through the earth pins. Insufficient insulation also leads to current leakages. ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) is used to prevent earth leakages.
Is it safe to touch a ground wire?
Ground wires are more dangerous than live wires once they are energised. Unless and until they are energised, touching them will not render any shock. But never risk your life touching these wires unnecessarily. In the event of short circuit faults on your metallic appliances, the magnitude of the fault current passing through the ground wire could be beyond measurable. So never touch any pins of a live socket. In the scenario of any electrical wiring or installation requirements, always get it done by a qualified electrician.
