ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

What is considered a good ground?

1. Insulated from other conductive surfaces

2. At least 10 ohms resistance

3. Made from copper wire only

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

A good ground is crucial for the safety and performance of alarm systems and electrical installations. The requirement for a ground that is insulated from other conductive surfaces ensures that there is no unintended current flow, which could lead to electrical shorts or interference. Establishing a ground with a resistance of no more than 10 ohms is critical as it allows for efficient operation and helps to ensure that any fault current can flow back to the earth, minimizing the risk of electric shock or fire. Using copper wire for grounding is standard due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion, which enhances the reliability of the ground connection over time. Since each of these factors contributes to the overall effectiveness of grounding, stating that all the conditions together define a good ground accurately reflects the multifaceted nature of this requirement, thus validating the choice of all of the above as the correct response.