What is "double insulation" permitted in lieu of?

Double insulation is a safety feature used in some electrical devices that provides an extra layer of protection against electric shock. This design allows the equipment to function safely without the need for a ground connection, which is where "grounding" comes into play. Essentially, double insulation serves as an alternative to grounding for devices that may not have a connection to the earth.

In double insulation, there are two layers of insulating material separating the electrical components from any accessible parts. This construction minimizes the risk of electric shock, making it particularly suitable for portable or hand-held devices. Since grounding is typically used to provide a safe path for electrical current in case of insulation failure, double insulation effectively eliminates the need for this grounding technique by ensuring that the user is protected even if the internal insulation were to fail.

This understanding highlights the importance of double insulation in maintaining safety standards in electrical appliances and how it serves as a practical solution in place of grounding.