What is a requirement for a good ground?

A good ground is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical systems. The requirement for a good ground is a low resistance path to ground. This is critical because a low resistance path allows for excess current to flow safely into the ground during a fault condition, such as a short circuit. By providing an effective ground connection, it helps to protect both equipment and personnel from electrical shock and damage. In the case of an electrical fault, a low resistance ground prevents dangerous voltages from building up and promotes the quick operation of protective devices, like circuit breakers or fuses.

In contrast, a high resistance path to ground would impede the dissipation of fault current, which could lead to hazardous situations, including electrical fires or explosions. Loose connections can introduce additional resistance and compromise the effectiveness of the ground. Lastly, inadequate current-carrying capacity of grounding equipment can pose risks, as it may not handle fault currents effectively, further stressing the importance of a robust and low resistance grounding system.