Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a good grounding technique?

1. Using appropriate materials

2. Connecting to water pipes

3. Isolating grounding from other systems

4. Using low-resistance connections

The correct answer is: Isolating grounding from other systems

Isolating grounding from other systems is not considered a good grounding technique because grounding systems should be interconnected with other systems for safety and effectiveness. A well-designed grounding system allows for a common reference point, ensuring that all electrical systems work together properly. This interconnectedness helps to maintain the same potential throughout the system, reducing the chance of faults and providing a better path for fault currents to flow safely to ground. In contrast, using appropriate materials is crucial, as certain conductive materials are better suited for grounding than others. Connecting to water pipes can be effective, provided that those pipes are not insulated from the ground, as this can create an effective grounding path. Lastly, using low-resistance connections is vital because high resistance can reduce the effectiveness of the grounding system, increasing the risk of electrical shock or equipment damage. Together, these techniques promote better system reliability and safety, demonstrating why isolating grounding from other systems is not a sound practice.