What can be a result of improper grounding?

Improper grounding can lead to electrical shock because it fails to provide a safe path for stray electrical currents. Grounding is critical for directing excess electricity away from equipment and people to minimize the risk of electric shock. Without proper grounding, if there is a fault in an electrical system—such as a short circuit or equipment malfunction—there is no safe outlet for the electrical energy. This can cause the current to travel through unintended pathways, including a person who comes into contact with the equipment, leading to potentially serious injury or even death.

While other outcomes like reduced voltage, increased current flow, or shortened circuit lifespan may relate to other electrical issues, they do not specifically address the immediate risk to personal safety that improper grounding poses. Therefore, the focus on electrical shock as a direct consequence of inadequate grounding highlights the critical importance of this safety measure in electrical systems.