The live wire may touch the metallic body of a conductor. In that case current passes through the metallic body of an appliance. When that is touch with bare hands a huge amount of current passes through our body. To avoid such an accident, Metal body of all the electrical appliances are connected to the earth wire and the other end of that appliance is connected to the copper plate buried deep inside the earth. It provides a low resistant conducting path to the current. So it helps to prevent any leakage of current through the metallic body of an appliance and keeps its potential difference to that of the earth and hence the user may not get such a severe shock.

Use of Earth Wire in a Domestic Electric Circuit

Introduction:
In a domestic electric circuit, the earth wire plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and preventing electrical hazards. It is an essential part of the electrical wiring system and provides a path for the safe dissipation of electrical faults.

What is an Earth Wire?
The earth wire, also known as the grounding wire or protective conductor, is a wire that connects electrical appliances and devices to the earth or ground. It is typically made of copper or aluminum and is colored green or green with yellow stripes to distinguish it from other wires in the circuit.

Ensuring Safety:
The primary purpose of the earth wire is to protect individuals from electric shocks and prevent damage to electrical equipment. It serves the following key functions:

1. Earthing: The earth wire provides a low-resistance path for electrical current to flow into the ground in the event of a fault. This ensures that any excess current is safely diverted away from the user and prevents the risk of electric shock.

2. Fault Current Dispersal: In the occurrence of a fault, such as a short circuit or a breakdown in insulation, the earth wire allows excessive current to flow from the faulty device to the ground. This helps prevent overheating, fires, and damage to electrical components.

3. Electrostatic Discharge: The earth wire also assists in dissipating static electricity that may accumulate on electrical appliances. This discharge prevents the buildup of potentially dangerous sparks or electrical discharges that could cause fire or harm.

4. Surge Protection: The earth wire aids in diverting transient voltage surges, such as those caused by lightning strikes or power fluctuations, safely into the ground. This protects sensitive electronic devices from damage and ensures the stability of the electrical system.

Importance of Proper Installation:
It is crucial to ensure that the earth wire is correctly installed and connected to both electrical devices and the grounding system. Improper installation or lack of an earth wire can significantly increase the risk of electrical hazards, including electric shocks, fires, and damage to appliances.

Conclusion:
The earth wire is an essential component of a domestic electric circuit, providing safety by diverting fault currents, preventing electric shocks, dissipating static electricity, and protecting against voltage surges. Its proper installation and connection are vital for maintaining a secure electrical system in homes.