Which component is responsible for protecting users from electric shocks?

The earth wire is crucial in protecting users from electric shocks. Its primary function is to ensure any excess electric current from a fault does not pose a danger. If there is a fault in an electrical appliance, and the live wire comes into contact with the chassis (the outer casing), the earth wire provides a low-resistance path for the current to flow safely into the ground. This helps to prevent the chassis from becoming electrically charged and reduces the risk of electric shock to the user.

In electrical systems, the live wire carries the voltage, the neutral wire completes the circuit back to the power source, and insulation serves as a barrier to prevent accidental contact with live wires. However, none of these serve the same protective function against electric shock that the earth wire does, making it the component specifically designed for user safety in the event of electrical faults.