Grounding: what it is and why your home needs it

A grounding system gives electrical current a safe path to escape into the earth if something fails, instead of passing through your body or damaging your equipment.

Signs you don't have one: two-prong outlets only, mild shocks when touching the fridge or washing machine, electronics that fail more often than they should.

Without grounding, a faulty appliance can leave its metal casing live — and whoever touches it next is you.

This should be installed by a professional: it includes the grounding rod, the wiring, and checking continuity at every outlet. It's a small investment compared to what it protects.