What is the primary purpose of grounding?

The primary purpose of grounding is to provide a pathway for unwanted electric current. Grounding serves as a safety mechanism, directing any stray electric currents resulting from faults or surges safely into the ground. This is crucial in preventing electric shock hazards and ensuring equipment operates within safe voltage levels. In audio-visual installations, grounding helps protect sensitive electronic equipment from damage caused by electrical surges, thereby enhancing overall system reliability.

While enhancing signal strength, shielding against interference, and improving audio quality are important considerations in AV systems, they are not the primary functions of grounding. Grounding is fundamentally about safety and the proper management of electrical energy, making option B the correct choice.