Which of the following statements about grounding is true?

Grounding provides a return path for faults, ensuring that any fault current that occurs within an electrical system can safely travel back to the ground. This is critical for the protection of both equipment and personnel. By directing the fault current away from live electrical components and towards the ground, grounding helps to minimize the risk of electric shock and equipment damage. It plays an essential role in maintaining safety standards by ensuring that the system can trip circuit protection devices, like breakers or fuses, in the event of a fault.

Grounding does not eliminate all electrical hazards; rather, it mitigates certain types of risks. It is also not only necessary in residential systems but is a crucial aspect of electrical systems across all sectors, including commercial and industrial. Additionally, grounding should be periodically inspected and maintained, not just checked during installation, to ensure ongoing safety and effectiveness.