[Actual] Purpose and Function of Earth Wire

The actual function of Earth Wire in an electrical transmission and distribution system is to provide a path to flow current to during overvoltage fault and removing surge voltage. The main purpose of Earth Wire in an electrical transmission and distribution line to protect the live wires from the lightning. There are many important functions and purpose of Earth Wirewhich are explained in detail. So read the full article to know the Earth Wire Function and Earth Wire Purpose in the electrical system.

The function of Earth Wire

The earth wire is used in different different places for different different purposes. So we are going to know the function of Earth wire in different places.

The function of Earth Wire in Domestic Circuit

In our domestic circuit, three wires are used, phase wire, a  neutral wire, and earth wire. Generally, the green color is used for earth wire. This earth wire is connected with the metallic body of the electrical appliances. That earth wire also connected to the upper pin of the five pins or three pin socket. The earth wire mainly used in the domestic circuit for protection purpose. It protects the human from electrical shock.

The Function of Earth Wire in Transmission Line

In Overhead Transmission line, Earth wire or ground wire is used. The topmost wire in an overhead transmission line is the earth wire. The topmost earth wire in the transmission line not connected to any equipment or supply. In normal condition, the earth wire does not carry any current. The main function of Earth wire in the transmission line is, it protects the other live conductor from the lightning.

As it is the topmost wire so when the lightning occurs, a large amount of voltage due to lightning is produced on the topmost earth wire. As the earth wire is connected with the ground, it discharges the overvoltage to the ground. So the lightning stroke cannot hit the other wires or conductors. Thus the other wires in the transmission line are safe from lightning.

The Function of Earth Wire in Electrical Instruments

The main function of Earth wire in electrical instruments, devices, equipment is to provide protection against electrical shock. Generally, the earth wire is connected with the metallic noncurrent-carrying parts of electrical devices. It helps to provide a path to flow the current when the line or phase conductor touches the noncurrent-carrying parts of the electrical device.

Purpose of Earth Wire

In short, the main purposes of earth wire are,

1.      It provides a path for discharging the surge voltage.

2.      It helps to provide protection against overvoltage.

3.      It provides a path for discharging the huge amount of electrons due to lightning to the ground.

4.      It provides protection against electrical shock.

5.      It helps to detect the faults in phase or neutral conductor.

6.      It can be used as a neutral conductor when neutral get fault.

Read Also:

• Which is more dangerous AC or DC-Explained in details
• The main important difference between AC and DC
• Why we use 220V, 50Hz AC at home instead of DC or other voltage?
• What is Electric Shock? What is its cause Current or Voltage?

Thank you for visiting the website. keep visiting for more updates.