RAEL’S COMMENT:
Do not waste money buying “grounded bedsheets” … We are all naturally grounded!
Earthing is the theory that humans are lacking in an essential nutrient: electrons. But luckily the Earth has lots of extra electrons we can borrow (so nice of her). But shoes are insulating and prevent the free flow of electrons, so we have to stand or walk barefoot on the Earth to get them. Or we can buy special pads and sheets ranging from $60 – $210 — sold by the author of the theory — that plug into the neutral or ground plug in an electrical outlet, supposedly allowing for the free transfer of such electrons.
This is silliness.
First, let’s talk about grounding. In electrical wiring, the ground or neutral plug just connects to the Earth. In case of unwanted extra electricity in an appliance, the current will flow back towards the electrical panel, tripping the circuit breaker and thus shutting off the flow of electricity. The appliance also must be connected to the ground to complete the electrical circuit. Alternatively, the current can flow in the opposite direction. Essentially the Earth functions as either an infinite source or a bottomless pit for extra electricity.
The grounding plug was originally for safety so that you don’t accidentally die when going to open your refrigerator, but also works now to regulate electrical “noise” from our many electronic devices, helping to prevent frying their delicate circuits. In Europe, “grounding” is called “earthing” — they are two words for the same thing.
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