Copper wire is commonly used for grounding in electrical applications, with bare copper and gauged copper wire being among the most frequent types utilized.
Understanding Grounding Wire
Grounding is a critical safety measure in electrical systems, providing a path for fault current to safely dissipate into the earth, protecting people and equipment from electrical hazards. The wire used for this purpose must be highly conductive and durable.
Why Copper is Preferred
According to the reference, copper grounding wire is commonly used primarily because of two key properties:
- Conductivity: Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, allowing fault currents to flow away quickly and efficiently.
- Durability: Copper is robust and long-lasting, capable of withstanding environmental factors and maintaining its integrity over time.
Common Types of Copper Grounding Wire
While different types of copper wires exist depending on the specific needs of an application, the reference highlights the most common types used for grounding:
- Bare Copper Wire: This type lacks insulation, making it suitable for direct burial or applications where insulation is not required or is provided by the surroundings (like inside conduit). It's readily identifiable by its lack of a protective jacket.
- Gauged Copper Wire: This refers to copper wire specified by its gauge (size), which determines its current-carrying capacity. The appropriate gauge is selected based on the electrical load and specific code requirements for the application. This can include insulated or non-insulated types, but the term "gauged" primarily refers to its size specification.
These types are prevalent due to copper's inherent properties and their suitability for creating a reliable grounding connection.
