Hello,
most non low-power electric devices have a ground pin to protect if a shortcut or something happens (Correct me if I got that wrong, already)
But how does it work? As far as I know you always need a completed circuit for electricity to flow. So how is an electric circuit closed if electricity flows to the ground?
In: Physics
An electrical circuit relies on both positive and negative electricity. This connection is what gives an appliance or electronic device the power it needs to operate. If something goes wrong, there will be a buildup of energy. This can cause the electrical connection and housing to store that excess power.
When an electrical malfunction occurs, this power will be stored in internal wiring and external metal housing. A static electric shock is a simple example. You’ll only notice this buildup when a connection is made to let lost the electricity being stored.
A circuit breaker will shut off when a short circuit occurs. However, without a grounding wire, the electricity will still be present.
A grounding wire takes the electricity that has built up during the malfunction and sends it outside of your home back into the ground. The grounding wire is typically connected to either a metal internal structure within the appliance, or on the external housing. When the malfunction happens, rather than having the energy build up in the circuit, it flows back to the ground and turns off the circuit.
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