Ground Wire – Frequently Asked Questions (And Answers!)

Kelly Benjamin
March 5, 2019

We’ve received a lot of questions lately regarding ground wire. As a trusted wire and cable manufacturer and distributor, we’ve put together some answers for you!

What is Ground Wire?

Ground wire is a cable that connects an electrical system or appliance to the ground.

How Does Ground Wire Work?

Ground wire acts as a safe transmitter of stored or extra energy. When an electrical system or appliance malfunctions, the circuit will trip immediately. When that happens, the grounding system moves that energy into the ground. We also wrote a more detailed article on this process.

Do I Need Ground Wire?

If you care about safety or the law, then yes! The NEC (National Electrical Code) requires all household electrical systems to be grounded. If that isn’t enough, think about the safety ground wire presents. Instead of an appliance discharging stored electricity to the ground, it would go directly to the next thing to complete the circuit – you!

What is Ground Wire Used For?

This is one of the most popular questions about ground wire. In fact, we wrote a whole piece that answers this question! For those who don’t want to read the entire article, ground wire is commonly used for:

  • Refrigerators and freezers
  • Air conditioners
  • Washing machines and dryers
  • Dishwashers
  • Satellite dishes

It can also be found in other larger appliances that use a lot of electricity.

Can I touch Ground Wire or the Grounding System?

While this is debated frequently, we always like to err on the side of caution. We advise leaving this to professional electricians. You never truly know if the appliance or grounding system is functioning properly – and it’s not worth taking a chance!

What’s the Difference Between Ground Wire and Earth Wire?

Nothing! The two terms can be used interchangeably.

Where Can I Order Ground Wire?

From Performance Wire and Cable, of course! Check out all the options we offer at affordable costs. These options include:

  • Solid copper ground wire
  • Stranded copper ground wire

We also offer different types of gauge conductors, including insulated and bare. These come in various sizes.