What is the primary purpose of earthing in electrical systems?

The primary purpose of earthing in electrical systems is to provide a safe path for excess current. When there is a fault in an electrical system, such as a short circuit or lightning strike, excess current can flow through the circuit. Earthing ensures that this excess current has a safe and direct path to the ground, which helps to prevent electric shock hazards, equipment damage, and fire risks. By diverting the excessive current away from users and sensitive equipment, earthing plays a crucial role in enhancing safety within electrical systems.

In contrast to other options, enhancing circuit efficiency, increasing voltage stability, and improving signal strength are not the primary functions of earthing. While they might involve some aspects of electrical system performance, they do not address the safety concerns that earthing is fundamentally designed to manage.