According to the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), what is the purpose of protective grounding?

The purpose of protective grounding, as outlined by the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), is primarily to safeguard people and property from electrical hazards. Protective grounding functions to prevent electrical shock hazards for workers and bystanders by ensuring that any unintended electrical currents are safely directed to the ground. This is especially critical in environments where electrical equipment is commonly used and where the risk of accidental contact with live electrical parts exists.

By establishing a low-resistance path to earth, protective grounding facilitates the quick operation of overcurrent protection devices, which can disconnect power in the event of a fault. This practice not only mitigates potential injuries but also minimizes the risk of fire or damage due to electrical faults, addressing concerns about safety in electrical systems.

The other options, while related to electrical operations, do not directly define the primary aim of protective grounding. For instance, increasing electrical efficiency, enhancing equipment performance, and monitoring electrical flow are important aspects of electrical systems but are not the central focus of protective grounding as explained by the NESC.