What are the two main objectives for grounding?

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Grounding is about controlling what happens to voltage and fault current when something goes wrong. The two main objectives are to limit the voltage that can appear on electrical surfaces during a fault and to provide a low-impedance path for fault current to flow to earth so protective devices can sense and interrupt the fault quickly. Keeping exposed metal parts at safe potentials and allowing a clear path for fault current are what prevent dangerous voltages from persisting and help breakers or fuses trip, protecting people and equipment. Grounding exposed metal parts is important for safety, but it’s a means to achieve those fundamental goals, not the primary aim itself. Providing personal protection is a benefit that comes from these objectives, whereas overheating prevention isn’t a direct result of grounding.