What is the purpose of electrical insulation?

The purpose of electrical insulation is primarily to prevent accidental contact with live wires and reduce the risk of shock. Insulation serves as a protective barrier that separates conductive materials from each other and from people. This is critical in maintaining safety standards, as it helps to ensure that electricity flows only through intended pathways and does not leak into areas where it could pose a danger. Effective insulation protects users from electric shocks, short circuits, and potential electrical fires, making it an essential safety measure in any electrical system.

While flow of current can be influenced by factors like resistance and the configuration of the circuit, insulation's role is not to enhance this flow. Similarly, while good insulation can contribute to the overall performance of electrical devices, it is not specifically designed for this purpose alone. Monitoring electrical energy consumption is a function that relies on other technologies and does not relate to the fundamental function of electrical insulation.