What is the primary purpose of a grounding system?

The primary purpose of a grounding system is to enhance safety by preventing electric shock. When electrical systems are grounded, excess electrical charge, which may arise from faults or lightning strikes, is safely channeled into the ground. This not only protects equipment but also reduces the risk of electrical shock to individuals who may come into contact with the electrical systems. By providing a path for fault current to flow safely into the earth, grounding ensures that protective devices like circuit breakers or fuses operate effectively, thereby minimizing hazards.

While the other options present relevant aspects of electrical systems, they do not accurately capture the essential role of grounding. For instance, increasing power transmission and improving signal quality are more about the efficiency and effectiveness of electrical delivery and communications processes. Limiting energy consumption relates to efficiency but does not address the safety concerns that grounding directly mitigates. Thus, the emphasis on safety in the correct answer underscores the critical protective function of grounding within electrical installations.