How many sides of an open circuit must be grounded?

In an open circuit, it is essential to ground both sides to ensure safety and system stability. Grounding both sides serves to manage fault current effectively, providing a clear path to the ground in case of an electrical fault. This is particularly important in maintaining a constant reference point in the system, which helps to protect equipment and personnel from electrical hazards.

Grounding both sides also aids in minimizing the risk of electric shock and protects against equipment damage from voltage surges or faults. When both sides are grounded, it helps ensure that any unintentional buildup of voltage is safely dissipated, thus reducing the likelihood of arcing or other dangerous occurrences.

Other options suggest grounding either one side or not grounding at all, which can leave parts of the system unprotected and present an increased risk of electrical faults or unpredictable behavior in the circuitry. Overall, grounding both sides of an open circuit is a crucial safety measure in electrical work.