In order for the operator to be safe, electrical tools should

In order for the operator to be safe, electrical tools should

• A. Be unplugged when not in use
• B. Be grounded properly
• C. Be painted
• D. Be inspected weekly

Answer: (B)

Grounding gives electrical fault current a low-resistance path to earth, so if a tool’s insulation fails or a wire comes loose, the current flows through the grounding conductor instead of through the operator. That surge trips the circuit breaker or expands the fuse, quickly removing power and reducing the risk of electric shock. While unplugging when not in use helps reduce exposure, it doesn’t protect you during operation from a fault. Painting has no effect on safety, and weekly inspections alone aren’t a substitute for having a proper grounding system. (If a tool is specifically designed as double-insulated, it doesn’t use a grounding conductor, but for most standard tools, proper grounding is essential.)

Grounding gives electrical fault current a low-resistance path to earth, so if a tool’s insulation fails or a wire comes loose, the current flows through the grounding conductor instead of through the operator. That surge trips the circuit breaker or expands the fuse, quickly removing power and reducing the risk of electric shock. While unplugging when not in use helps reduce exposure, it doesn’t protect you during operation from a fault. Painting has no effect on safety, and weekly inspections alone aren’t a substitute for having a proper grounding system. (If a tool is specifically designed as double-insulated, it doesn’t use a grounding conductor, but for most standard tools, proper grounding is essential.)