A ground is a conducting connection between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth, or between an electrical circuit and some conducting body that serves in place of the earth.

The purpose of a ground is to prevent the buildup of voltages that may result in a hazardous situation for the connected equipment and/or for the person operating the equipment.

All electrical equipment in the laboratory that is not clearly marked as "double-insulated" must be grounded by using a three-pronged power cord.

Three-to-two-prong adapters cannot be used because they interrupt the continuity of the grounding.