Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which of the following tools does not require an equipment grounding conductor?

1. Double insulated hand tool

2. Electric drill

3. Power saw

4. Portable generator

The correct answer is: Double insulated hand tool

The correct answer is that a double insulated hand tool does not require an equipment grounding conductor. Double insulation is a safety feature that provides an extra layer of protection against electrical shock. These tools are designed with two layers of insulation, effectively isolating the user from any electrical current that may leak from the tool's internal components. This design eliminates the necessity for a grounding conductor because the risk of electric shock is significantly reduced. The other options involve equipment that typically requires grounding for safety. An electric drill and a power saw are not designed with the same level of insulation as double insulated tools and thus must be grounded to prevent the risk of shock in the event of insulation failure. A portable generator, when used, generally requires an equipment grounding conductor because it can create hazardous conditions if a fault occurs, highlighting the importance of grounding in these situations for user safety. In summary, double insulated tools are inherently safer due to their construction, allowing them to operate without the need for grounding, while other equipment like electric drills, power saws, and portable generators do not have this inherent protection and thus require grounding to ensure user safety.