What is the primary purpose of protective earthing in electrical installations?

The primary purpose of protective earthing in electrical installations is to prevent electrical shock by providing a path for fault currents. When a fault occurs, such as a short circuit or insulation failure, the protective earthing system ensures that the excess electrical current is redirected safely to the ground. This reduces the risk of electric shock to individuals and minimizes the chance of fire or damage to electrical equipment.

By establishing a low-resistance connection to the earth, the earthing system allows the fault current to flow safely away from any electrically conductive surfaces that a person may come in contact with. This pathway for fault currents is crucial in clearing faults quickly, allowing protective devices such as circuit breakers or fuses to operate and disconnect the faulty circuit, thereby enhancing the safety of the electrical system.

While options like providing insulation for electrical wires, enhancing electrical conductivity, and reducing energy consumption offer some benefits in electrical systems, they do not reflect the primary function of protective earthing, which is fundamentally about safety in the event of faults.