The ground wire, commonly known as the grounding conductor, is an integral component of electrical systems.
A defect, such as a short circuit or electrical overload, serves a fundamental function by offering a secured route for electrical current to pass. The ground wire, commonly constructed of copper or aluminum, is attached to the grounding electrode buried in the ground.
Properly grounded electrical systems protect against fires and shocks and ensure safety by redirecting current, reducing surge risk, maintaining voltage levels, and enabling hazardous equipment to function properly. This article discusses grounding wires’ importance and proper installation.
Can A Grounded Wire Be Exposed In A Wall?
No, a ground wire should not be exposed to a wall as Electrical shocks might occur from exposed ground wires, which also increases the danger of interfering with other wiring or causing short circuits. To avoid accidental interactions or injuries, the ground wire must be covered.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) has not permitted the installation of exposed ground wire for security concerns. That is why designated techniques are required to handle the ground wire.
Electric shock and Electrocution
Electric shock and electrocution are two main concerns associated with exposed ground cables. A hazardous electric shock can occur if someone touches an exposed ground wire that transmits a live voltage. As a result, he may get electrocuted.
According to the voltage and length of exposure, the shock’s intensity can range from minimal to severe. Severe shocks are dangerous and can be fatal. Therefore, grounding wires must be covered properly.
Fire and Electrical Damage
The possibility of fire and electrical damage is a serious potential risk. Short circuits are more likely to occur with exposed ground wires, which can result in sparks and electrical arcing. These sparks have the potential to start flames by burning neighboring flammable objects.
Furthermore, the insufficient electrical current that passes through the ground line can harm fragile electronic devices, requiring expensive repairs or replacements. Therefore, covering the ground wires is crucial.
Physical Injury
People who come into contact with unprotected ground wires face the danger of getting hurt physically. The electrical shock can result in burns, unconsciousness, muscular spasms, and even death. Victims can have long-term health problems that include nerve damage or heart trouble. When these shocks last for an extended period of time, they are considered to be fatal.
Moreover, in the case of a rainy season, such ground wire touching your wall can be dangerous. It can become the source of direct current in the wall, leading to a fatal electric shock or a short circuit.
Property Damage
Concealed ground wires endanger not only human safety but also property. Electrical fault-related fires can spread quickly and cause significant harm to buildings, houses, and possessions. The cost of repairing or replacing damaged property might be huge.
Several examples of house fires are due to electric shocks or short circuits. These short circuits often occur due to open wires, like the ground wire. That is why it is highly recommended not to open wires and touch the walls.
How to Conceal Ground Wire within a Wall?
Ensure you have planned, selected the appropriate wire, and gathered the necessary protective equipment and testing tools. Concealing the ground wire requires precession and proper planning. You must be careful while doing this as it’s dangerous and may cause injury.
- Proper Planning
Before beginning work, understand your area’s electrical requirements and safety codes. Determine the path the ground wire should take within the wall and the location of any outlets, switches, or devices that require grounding.
- Turn off the Power
Before working with any electrical cables, ensure the circuit’s power has been turned off at the main electrical panel. Accidents in the workplace, including those caused by electrical currents, will be avoided as a result.
- Select the Right Wire
Choose a ground wire that is the appropriate size and complies with the standards set forth by the electrical code. Copper wire is typically utilized for grounding due to its high conductivity and inherent corrosion resistance. As a result, they last longer, and you don’t need to change the ground repeatedly.
- Route the Wire
Determine the path where you want the ground to hide a wire. Use a tool called; a stud finder to find the openings in the wall, as you will want to run the wire beside or through them for further protection. To reduce radiation disruption, steer clear of connecting a ground wire adjacent to a power line.
- Make Openings
Using a plasterboard saw or an appropriate cutting instrument, make openings in the wall at strategic points where you need to access the wire. Moreover, ensure these openings are large enough to handle the wire and any junction boxes or outlets requiring grounding.
- Protect or Cover the wire
Think about connecting the ground wire through a pipe or circuit to protect it from damage. It gives an extra layer of insulation while providing a clear path for the wire. As a result, it protects from any shock.
Additionally, use electrical staples or cable clips to fasten the ground wire along the path; that you have chosen. Maintain a firm grip on the wire while avoiding over-tightening, which may harm the insulation.
- Test and verify The Ground Wire
After you finish the installation, reconnect the circuit and use a voltage meter or multimeter to ensure that; the ground wire is working properly. Additionally, check if gadgets and outlets connected to the ground wire are correctly grounded.
Remember that if you are unsure about your electrical abilities, it is always advisable to employ; a licensed electrician to conduct the installation. Electrical work can be hazardous, and it is critical to put safety first; at all times.
How To Properly Ground the Ground Wire?
You can use grounding rods, plates, grids, or conductors to ground the ground wire. But in most countries, the electric providers provide the basic ground wire within the wiring. These wires are connected to the main ground link at the pole. You just have to connect your wire to it.
- Grounding Rods
Grounding rods, often known as ground rods, are long metal rods; that consist of copper or stainless steel. They are placed close to the electricity source and driven vertically into the ground; to create a strong grounding connection. As a result, the current is directly transferred to the ground.
- Grounding Plates
Large metal plates buried in the ground are called grounding or ground plates. They’re suitable for places having poor soil resistance because they provide an improved surface area for grounding.
- Grounding Grids
Grounding grids consist of connected conductors installed in an underground grid. In locations where low-resistance grounding is necessary or where there is a significant possibility for fault current, they offer improved grounding performance.
- Grounding conductors
Metallic wires or cables are known as grounding conductors. In order to connect; electrical devices to the grounding electrode. When there are faults or overvoltages, they provide a secure channel for electric currents to pass. As a result, it lessens the danger of shock.
Conclusion
Grounding lines, also called grounding conductors, are an important part of electrical systems. They keep people safe by giving electrical current a way to flow in case of a problem, like a short circuit or an overload.
Moreover, they keep the voltage level steady, reduce the risk of surges, and let potentially dangerous equipment run safely. But the question often comes up: Can a grounded wire in a wall be seen?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) and other well-known standards agree that grounding lines should not be visible inside a wall. It is because grounding lines that are not covered can cause electric shocks, fires, injuries, and damage to property. As a result, you may lose valuables.
Additionally, holding a live voltage and touching exposed grounding wires can put you at high risk of getting an electric shock or being killed by electricity. These shocks can be mild or even deadly, depending on the voltage and how long the touch lasts.
Grounding lines that are not covered pose a fire risk as well. Moreover, Short circuits can result in sparks and electrical arcing, which can then cause nearby flammable objects to catch fire.
