A grounded tool typically has what feature to ensure stray current travels to ground?

A grounded tool typically has what feature to ensure stray current travels to ground?

• A. Grounded tool
• B. Ungrounded tool
• C. Double-insulated tool
• D. Insulated tool

Answer: (A)

Having a grounding path provides a safe return route for any stray current, so the fault current goes to earth and the protective device trips quickly. A grounded tool includes a grounding conductor connected to the tool frame (like a three-prong plug), creating that low-resistance path to ground. When a fault energizes the tool housing, most of the current flows through the ground wire rather than through you, reducing the risk of electric shock. Ungrounded tools lack this path, so fault current has nowhere to go but through you or other paths, increasing danger. Double-insulated tools are designed to be safe without a ground by relying on extra insulation, not by providing a grounding path. An insulated tool describes protection against shock but not a direct ground path for stray current.

Having a grounding path provides a safe return route for any stray current, so the fault current goes to earth and the protective device trips quickly. A grounded tool includes a grounding conductor connected to the tool frame (like a three-prong plug), creating that low-resistance path to ground. When a fault energizes the tool housing, most of the current flows through the ground wire rather than through you, reducing the risk of electric shock.

Ungrounded tools lack this path, so fault current has nowhere to go but through you or other paths, increasing danger. Double-insulated tools are designed to be safe without a ground by relying on extra insulation, not by providing a grounding path. An insulated tool describes protection against shock but not a direct ground path for stray current.