Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is the best method to check the electrical ground on a duplex outlet?

1. Check continuity between the green wire and the building ground

2. Measure voltage between the outlet and the ground

3. Test for current flow through the outlet

4. Inspect the physical condition of the outlet

The correct answer is: Check continuity between the green wire and the building ground

To determine the integrity of the electrical ground on a duplex outlet, checking continuity between the green wire (the ground wire) and the building ground is the most effective method. This process involves using a multimeter to ensure there is an unbroken conductive path, which confirms that the outlet is properly grounded. A functioning ground connection is crucial for safety, as it provides a path for fault currents to return to the earth, minimizing the risk of electric shock or fire in the event of a fault. Other methods, while useful in different contexts, do not directly assess the continuity of the grounding connection. Measuring voltage between the outlet and the ground does not confirm a solid ground connection; it may show some voltage even if the ground is not solidly connected. Testing for current flow through the outlet is more related to the operation of the outlet and does not address grounding. Inspecting the physical condition of the outlet is visually important but does not provide a definitive test of the ground's functionality. Thus, continuity testing provides the most reliable assurance that the electrical ground is properly installed and intact.