What is an electrical ground for?

Question

I know that the wire connects to the ground literally but what for and why? What is the purpose in the electrical appliance?

Answer 1

so that if there is a short you dont because the easiest path to ground.  electricity always seeks ground and generally your body's resistence is more optimal for that pathway than if there is a short in an appliance.  if you have it in your hand how else would the electricity get to the ground but directly through you.

Answer 2

Electrical grounding wire is needed for safety. With it grounded equipment will pass grounding current directly to a ground rod instead of passing through anyone who touches the equipment.

Answer 3

Electricity will flow from a higher potential to a lower potential.  Electrical potential is called "voltage".  A ground is generally considered to be at zero potential.  For example, an earth ground is at zero potential because any electricity will be dissipated through the earth - a relatively immense body that can absorb a huge amount of electricity.

Grounds serve several purposes.  A ground can be used as a reference for a measurement device, like a pH probe.  A ground can also be used to protect people and devices.  If a short circuit occurs in a grounded circuit, the current will flow to the ground.  This will cause any circuit breakers to trip.  If a ground fault interrupter is installed (GFI), then the GFI will trip when the current is not equal in the hot (120V, for example) and neutral conductor.  This indicates that all the current is being shorted to the ground.