Earth systems are used in various ways. Their purpose is not limited to the protection of life by providing a safe path for the escape of fault and leakage.

For example, in case the insulation between the primary (6 to 22kV depends on country) and the secondary (100/ 230/400V depends on country) of a distribution transformer is degrading, a dangerous high voltage could appear on the secondary side. In such case, an electrical load connected to the secondary side will be damaged and will expose persons to electrical shock hazards and fire.

A common prevention measure is to connect one end of the secondary side of the distribution transformer to earth (System Earth). In this way, the high voltages can have a path to the ground and the low voltage on the secondary side is kept safe.

A circuit breaker sensitive to such faults, will be activated thus disconnecting the power line on the primary side.

However earthing systems are also used to prevent static electricity, for lightening rods, soundproofing purposes, etc. The below table shows some earthing applications.