What is the function of protective grounding during midspan underground cable splicing?

The function of protective grounding during midspan underground cable splicing is fundamentally about ensuring worker safety. When workers are engaged in splicing operations, especially in environments where live cables might be present, grounding provides a path for fault currents to flow safely to the earth, preventing electrical shock hazards. This is crucial in minimizing the risk of injury during maintenance or repair activities, where technicians may unintentionally come into contact with energized components.

By establishing a protective ground, any stray voltages or fault currents can be directed away from personnel, significantly reducing the risk of electrification. This safety measure is integral to adhering to occupational safety standards and practices in electrical work.

Other options, while they may hold some relevance in different contexts, do not pertain specifically to the primary intention of protective grounding during cable splicing. For instance, increasing circuit resistance or enhancing cable performance do not directly align with the immediate safety concerns that grounding addresses, nor does reducing electrical noise primarily relate to grounding in this context.