What does 'ground' in a power tool cord prevent?

The term 'ground' in a power tool cord is crucial for safety, primarily aiming to protect the user from electric shock. Grounding provides a low-resistance path for electrical current to flow safely into the ground in the event of a fault, such as a short circuit or if the live wire comes into contact with the metal casing of the tool. This function effectively mitigates the risk of a hazardous electrical shock that could occur if a user inadvertently touches a tool that has become energized due to a fault.

While grounding does contribute to the overall safety and helps prevent issues such as overheating, improper starting, or short-circuiting, its primary role focuses on safeguarding the user against electric shock. The grounding wire ensures that, in the event of a fault, the excess current is redirected, helping to prevent injury to anyone using the tool.