What is the function of an earth wire? Why is it necessary to earth metallic appliances?

Answer

N/a

Explanation

The metal body of an electrical appliance is 'earthd' or connected by means of a metal wire to the earth (which is at zero potential) to avoid the risk of electic shocks. This is because if, by chance, the live wire at the high potential of 220 volts touches the metal case of the electrical appliance, then the current passes from the electrical appliances directly to the earth through the low resistance earth wire. Since the current does not pass through our body, we do not get an electric shock. Thus, the function of an earth wire is to provide an easy passage to the leaking current from an electrical appliance to go into the earth and hence prevent electric shocks to the user of electrical appliance.