In electrical safety, how is "grounding" primarily used?

Grounding is a critical safety measure in electrical systems designed to protect individuals from electrical shocks. When electrical equipment is properly grounded, it provides a definitive path for electric current to flow safely into the ground in case of a fault, such as a short circuit or insulation failure. This helps to ensure that if a person comes into contact with a live electrical wire, the current will prefer to flow through the grounding system rather than through the person's body, thus minimizing the risk of serious injury or electrocution.

Grounding systems work by connecting key components of an electrical installation—such as the metal housings of appliances or equipment—to the ground. This not only stabilizes voltage levels but also helps to dissipate any stray currents, enhancing safety.

The other options presented relate to different aspects of electrical systems but do not accurately convey the primary function of grounding. Increasing voltage, creating insulation, and preventing overloads involve different methods and principles within electrical engineering that do not focus specifically on the protective aspect provided by grounding.