Proper equipment grounding eliminates voltage that might cause an electric shock by ___.

The correct response highlights the importance of maintaining safety in electrical systems through proper grounding practices. Grounding primarily serves to minimize or eliminate any potential differences that may exist between metal electrical enclosures and the ground, thereby preventing shocks.

When metal enclosures or components become energized due to a fault, the difference in electrical potential can lead to a dangerous shock hazard if a person were to come into contact with them. Proper equipment grounding ensures that these enclosures are at the same electrical potential as the earth, effectively eliminating any voltage that could cause harm. This is crucial because, in a fault condition, the grounding system provides a direct route to ground, allowing the excess current to safely dissipate.

Establishing an equal potential reduces the risk of electric shock, as there will be no significant voltage difference to drive a current through a person who touches the enclosure. Therefore, maintaining this equality between the metal enclosures and the ground is key to safe electrical installations.

Understanding this principle effectively illustrates the importance of grounding in safeguarding against electrical hazards.