What does the term "grounded" mean?

The term "grounded" refers specifically to being connected to the earth. This connection provides a pathway for electrical currents to safely dissipate into the ground, which is crucial for electrical safety. Grounding is used to protect individuals from electrical shock and to help safeguard equipment from electrical surges or faults. When a system or equipment is properly grounded, it helps ensure that in the event of a fault, excess voltage is diverted away, minimizing the risk of damage or injury.

In contrast, being disconnected from all sources of power would imply that no electrical activity is present, which does not pertain to the concept of grounding. Isolated from physical contact might suggest a lack of interaction with elements that could transmit electricity, but again, this does not directly relate to the definition of grounding. Protection by insulating materials refers to preventing electrical contact rather than establishing a safety path for fault currents, which is the essence of what grounding achieves. Therefore, the most accurate definition of "grounded" in an electrical context is being connected to the earth.