What is a grounding switch designed to do?

What is a grounding switch designed to do?

• A. A device that is opened to disconnect wires or electric apparatus from ground
• B. A device that is closed to connect wires or electric apparatus mechanically to ground
• C. A device that senses voltage on a line
• D. A device that provides overcurrent protection

Answer: (B)

A grounding switch is used to establish a solid, low-impedance path to earth for safety during maintenance. When the switch is closed, it mechanically connects the wires or equipment to a ground reference, discharging any stored energy and keeping the circuit at ground potential so workers aren’t exposed to shock or arcing. It’s not a device for sensing voltage or for overcurrent protection, and opening it would remove the grounding path rather than provide it.

A grounding switch is used to establish a solid, low-impedance path to earth for safety during maintenance. When the switch is closed, it mechanically connects the wires or equipment to a ground reference, discharging any stored energy and keeping the circuit at ground potential so workers aren’t exposed to shock or arcing. It’s not a device for sensing voltage or for overcurrent protection, and opening it would remove the grounding path rather than provide it.