What is a temporary protective grounding device, and when is it used?

• A. A temporary grounding conductor used to provide a path to earth for fault current during maintenance; used when working on or near live parts to limit touch voltage.
• B. A permanent connection to the utility.
• C. A shield to protect insulation.
• D. A grounding rod used only for new installations.

Answer: (A)

A temporary protective grounding device is a temporary grounding conductor used to provide a low-impedance path to earth for fault current during maintenance. It serves to keep exposed parts at or near earth potential so that if a fault occurs, the current returns through the grounding path instead of through a worker, reducing the touch voltage and the risk of electric shock. This is exactly what the description emphasizes: it’s temporary, used specifically when working on or near live parts, and its purpose is to limit the voltage that a person could be exposed to. The other options describe permanent utilities, insulation shields, or grounding rods for new installations, which do not serve this temporary protective, fault-current–shunting role in maintenance.