Generally grounding is provided for

A. only for the safety of the equipment

B. only for the safety of the operating personnel

C. Both (A) and (B)

D. None of the above

Answer: C. Both (A) and (B)

Explanation: 

Grounding: 

• The process of connecting the metallic frame (i.e. non-current carrying part) of electrical equipment or some electrical part of the system (e.g. neutral point in a star-connected system, one conductor of the secondary of a transformer etc.) to earth (i.e. soil) is called grounding or earthing.
• Grounding is generally done in transmission line at the supply end to safeguard the whole system from flowing high fault currents whenever any fault occurs in the system.
• Generally grounding is provided for the safety of the equipment and only for the safety of the operating personnel.

Important Points:

The following are the advantages of neutral grounding:

• Voltages of the healthy phases do not exceed line to ground voltages i.e., they remain nearly constant.
• The high voltages due to arcing grounds are eliminated.
• The protective relays can be used to provide protection against earth faults. In case earth fault occurs on any line, the protective relay will operate to isolate the faulty line.
• The over voltages due to lightning are discharged to earth.
• It provides greater safety to personnel and equipment.
• It provides improved service reliability.
• Operating and maintenance expenditures are reduced.