When grounding, what connection is made first?

In electrical systems, when establishing a grounding connection, the ground connection is made first to ensure safety and effective operation. This step is crucial because it provides a low-resistance path for electrical faults, which helps to prevent shock hazards and equipment damage in case of a fault condition. By connecting the ground first, any stray currents can be immediately redirected safely into the earth, minimizing the risk of electrical shock for anyone working on the system and protecting sensitive equipment.

The other connections—primary, neutral, and load—are important in their respective contexts for establishing a complete electrical circuit, but they should not be made before the ground connection. Making the ground connection first helps create a baseline of safety before any other connections are established, ensuring that the system is secured against potential faults right from the start. This order is a best practice endorsed in electrical work and is often dictated by safety standards and regulations.