What does the term 'earthing' refer to in electrical installations?

The term 'earthing' in electrical installations refers to the practice of connecting parts of an installation to the earth for safety. This is a critical safety measure designed to protect both people and equipment from the dangers of electrical faults. By providing a path for fault currents to safely dissipate into the ground, earthing minimizes the risk of electric shock and mitigates damage that could occur to appliances and systems in case of a fault.

Effective earthing ensures that under fault conditions, the electrical current finds the path of least resistance, flowing safely into the ground. This connection also helps stabilize voltage levels and prevent noise in electrical systems. Therefore, ensuring that installations are properly earthed is essential for compliance with safety standards and for the overall reliability of the electrical system.

While other options relate to important components or practices within electrical systems, they do not directly address the concept of earthing. Connecting circuit breakers to the main supply, testing insulation resistance, or providing overload protection are separate functions that contribute to the overall safety and effectiveness of electrical installations but do not encapsulate the purpose and function of earthing.