What does counterpoise grounding aim to prevent?

Counterpoise grounding is designed to create a low-resistance path for fault currents, thus enhancing safety and stability in electrical systems. Specifically, it aims to prevent electrical hazards along a power line by ensuring that any fault current has a safe route to ground, which reduces the risk of shock or electrocution to individuals near the power lines and helps to protect sensitive equipment from undesirable voltage levels that could arise during fault conditions.

This grounding technique is particularly important in areas where traditional grounding methods may not be effective due to soil conditions or where structures are raised above the ground, as it provides an alternative way to manage electrical faults. By improving the grounding system's effectiveness, counterpoise grounding helps to maintain the integrity of the electrical system and safeguard users and equipment from the dangers associated with electrical faults.

The other options, while related to electrical safety, are not the primary focus of counterpoise grounding. For instance, lightning protection systems have specific designs separate from counterpoise systems, and the prevention of overvoltage or electrical fires is usually addressed through different protective measures and devices within an overall electrical safety strategy.