What is the purpose of grounding in electrical systems?

The purpose of grounding in electrical systems is primarily to provide a safe path for excess electricity. Grounding helps protect both people and equipment by ensuring that in the event of a fault—such as a short circuit or lightning strike—excess electrical energy can flow safely into the ground rather than through a person's body or through sensitive equipment.

When a system is properly grounded, it reduces the risk of electric shock and prevents damage to electrical devices by directing stray electrical currents away from them. This is vital in maintaining the safety and reliability of electrical installations. Grounding systems are designed to take advantage of the earth's ability to absorb and disperse the energy safely.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of grounding. For instance, increasing electrical resistance is not a goal of grounding; in fact, grounding aims to minimize resistance to ensure safe passage of current. Enhancing power generation relates more to improving efficiency and output rather than grounding. Converting AC to DC has to do with rectification processes and is not related to grounding's function in protecting circuits and users.