When it comes to electrical engineering the word ground or earth can be seen mentioned multiple times over. It is usually mentioned as a reference point for an electrical circuit.
Where usually voltages are measured. Sometimes we can find multiple electrical circuits that are connected to the ground.
Ground wires can be connected to such circuits for several reasons. However, most of the time it is to maintain the stability of the electrical flow in the household and for your electrical instruments.
It is a very important part of home building as; without a ground wire our own body could instead act as a ground path and that will electrocute or shock us. Let us discuss in detail the usages of the wire and or if they can be dangerous or not.
Can a ground wire be exposed?
An exposed ground wire is not an uncommon thing and can be exposed. Grounding wires are safe to the touch even they are exposed. However, we should be careful about any surges. This is because there will be electricity flowing through the grounding wires at that moment.
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The exposed ground wire isn’t as dangerous as other exposed wires, because they can be safe to the touch due to us being grounded as well as the wire.
But only when there’s no difference between us and the wire there, unless there’s a surge of electricity it’s safe.
Ground wire exposed in the wall:
Exposed ground wire inside the walls is pretty common and can be seen all over our houses if we actively look for them.
If they aren’t hot or neutral then it’s completely fine and we should just leave them as they are. These are safe to the touch as long as there is no electrical surge.
Ground wire exposed outside:
After a renovation of the house sometimes we might find ourselves with grounding wires outside the house that’s exposed.
This can be under normal circumstances safe to the touch and this is a common thing for a household, it does not have to be after a renovation either.
As long as there are no electrical surges, we’ll be completely fine if we were to touch.
Ground wire exposed in the attic:
Just like how it’s common for ground wires in the walls and outside of the house to be exposed, it’s also a common thing for ground wires in the attic to be exposed as well.
This is sometimes a sign of laziness by the electricians. However, we cannot blame them as it’s relatively safe to do so.
Why can a ground wire be exposed?
The grounding wire is a safety wire that is intended to be connected to the earth. This is why the grounding wire will not carry any electricity usually.
The sole purpose of the grounding wire is to carry any sort of electrical current only under a short circuit. This is true for other things that would pose a potential danger to elders and children in the household.
Hence when we come in contact with a ground wire that is currently earthed it cannot pose a threat to us. This is because under normal circumstances we will also be standing on the ground.
This eliminates any difference between us and the grounding wire as we would be both grounded.
As a result, there will be no electricity passing through as there is no difference. This is why ground wire can be left exposed.
Is an exposed ground wire dangerous?
It is commonly known that exposed wires pose a risk of catching fire. Any system that is getting old might have worn-out insulation.
That aged system can leave exposed wires and will be vulnerable to overheating catching as well as power surges.
Other risk factors could be getting in contact with other elements to catch fire and even shorting out. However, regarding all of these risk factors in we can still say grounding wires that are exposed like other exposed are not as dangerous.
When an exposed ground wire be dangerous?
Grounding wires when found to be exposed are not dangerous or have any kind of risk factors. Grounding wires are used to take excess electricity from our household to the earth and resolve any issues that might happen.
So, there are times when the wires are not safe to come in contact with. Especially if there is a surge of electricity in the household.
This surge of electricity will make the grounded wires flow with electricity thus making it dangerous to get in contact with it.
Is it dangerous to touch a ground wire? What happens if you touch ground wire?
Grounded wires are usually not a risk factor when coming in contact with them. People sometimes find in their homes or outside their homes, that there are exposed grounded wires.
These wires are normally there to help stabilize our house’s excess electricity.
It is sometimes dangerous for us to touch the grounded wires when they are exposed. This is usually during the times when there is a surge of electricity.
This is undoubtedly going to shock the person who might be touching the wire while the surge is happening.
Can an exposed ground wire cause a fire?
Grounded wires when exposed are relatively safe under normal conditions. However, sometimes certain cases can make them dangerous. For example, if the wire has a surge of electricity, it can be dangerous then.
There are times if someone comes in contact with an exposed part of the wires in a grounded surface it might cause a fire. Then again if the wire itself shorts against another wire it can also catch fire from that too.
Another example for the wire to catch fire is if a wild animal gnaws through the wire, usually the ground wires are underground.
Therefore, rodents finding the wires is a common thing. One of the most common cases would be if the wire connection gets loosened up and exposed due to aging, which can cause fire to it too.
How to cover exposed electrical ground wires?
Grounding wires sometimes can be seen exposed, in normal circumstances it is normal. However, if we want to remove any risk of potential electrical surges harming anyone, we suggest following the steps below.
Electrical Circuit:
First we need to find the electrical circuit that the exposed grounding wire is on. Then we proceed to turn the connection of that off. We need to do this because this will allow us to work safely.
It will eliminate any risk of getting an electric shock. This is critically important before going through any work that is related to exposed wiring.
Electric Tape:
Generally black, we need to use electrical tape on the exposed grounding wires. This is sole because of the low conductivity the tape has as well as high durability in case of wear and tear.
However, we should avoid the use of electrical tape when the insulation between the positive and neutral wire is found to be compromised.
Electrician:
Regardless of what we suggest to do in the case of electrical wiring, an expert is a best and first option to go for. We gave the base idea of what to do to temporarily solve the problem at hand.
However, the number one tip with electrical work such as “grounding” wires, is to get a professional electrician. They will be much better equipped and have a better understanding of any situation we might find ourselves in.
Can ground wire touch other wires?
Ground wires in the underground are usually touching each other and that pose no risk to each other. This is because one wire of the ground wires does not make a circuit. It takes two wires or more to make one circuit.
With AC and DC circuits, it will work the similar way as stated above. Nothing can happen if the wires that touch each other are the same.
Final thoughts
When it comes to exposed ground wire is not as dangerous as people think them to be. However, we must not act carelessly around it and treat it with utmost care. We must always make sure there are no power surges or loose connections in the wires before attempting to touch them.