{"id":1205,"date":"2021-08-19T22:35:35","date_gmt":"2021-08-19T22:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/?p=1205"},"modified":"2023-04-14T09:44:35","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T09:44:35","slug":"exposed-ground-wire-how-dangerous-is-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/exposed-ground-wire-how-dangerous-is-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Exposed Ground Wire: How Dangerous is it?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Electrical safety is always a hot topic for homeowners. Shocks, burns, and potential fire hazards are the common result of electrical malfunctions. A safety feature installed in almost all modern homes is grounding wires. The question now is how dangerous an exposed ground wire is?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ground wires are supposed to be exposed when they\u2019re in contact with the ground. For the most part, ground wires only have electricity running through them if there is an electrical discharge from your electrical system. The amount of electricity running through them is also minimal compared to that usually runs in a circuit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, we\u2019re not saying that you can go ahead and start playing around with your ground wire. There is still a chance of a current running through it if the electricity wasn\u2019t redirected to the ground properly. With that said, we\u2019re assuming that you have some problem with your ground wire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Electrical Safety Tips for Handling Ground Wires<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll be going over the basic tips for homeowners to work with or handle their electricals safely. We\u2019re also going to be covering the specific tips that could apply to ground wires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. No water<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Water is a conductor; this means that electrical currents can pass through it with ease. The same rule of making sure you, the environment you\u2019re in, and the tools you\u2019re working with should always be dry for grounding wires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Wear the Proper Safety Equipment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Rubber gloves and electrical tools are the ideal equipment you should use when working with your electrical tools. This might be too much for working with a ground wire but its always recommended to wear the right gear to stay safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. De-Energize<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        If you want to eliminate any chance of a current running through your ground wire while you\u2019re working with it, you can turn the switch on your circuit breaker. Make sure to check your electrical plans so you know which breaker is connected to the circuit you\u2019re working on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Be Aware<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Always assume that the wire you\u2019re working with is live(meaning that a current is running through it). This mindset will help in making sure that you follow all the<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Do Your Research<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            If you\u2019re going to make some DIY changes to your circuit, it\u2019s best that make sure that you know what you\u2019re doing. A ground wire that isn\u2019t fitted properly will end up not being able to discharge electricity properly, which could potentially lead to an overload for your circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            We always suggest that our readers make sure that they\u2019re fully informed of what they\u2019re doing when it comes to working with potentially hazardous parts of their homes. It\u2019s always better to know a bit more than a bit less!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/a>What To Do With an Exposed Ground Wire?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            You\u2019ll first need to identify where exactly the ground wire is exposed. This is important as it will indicate the potential danger that your exposed ground wire can cause and the same time allows you to properly diagnose how exactly this exposed ground wire is affecting your circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            1. Ground wire that is exposed near\/at the circuit<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              This is the most dangerous instance of having an exposed ground wire. Having a ground wire that ends up not dissipating electricity or dissipating too close to your other electricals may end up damaging them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              This is often the result of a misinstallation on the grounding nut or by accident when working with your other wires. Sometimes, there might be too much wire exposed and the nut won\u2019t be receiving all of the electricity that it\u2019s supposed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              1. Ground wire that is exposed along its wire<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                In this case, you\u2019ll need to have that exposed ground wire covered safely by using electrical tape(as long as the exposure isn\u2019t that large). If the wire is exposed over a large area, you can have heat-shrinkable sleeve fitted onto the exposed parts, just apply heat till it snugly fits into the shape of the wire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                1. Ground wire that is exposed near the ground<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Normally, you shouldn\u2019t be able to see the bare wire from your grounding wire. It\u2019s supposed to be atleast a couple of feet underground before it can safely discharge any excess electricity. In this case, you should probably consult with an electrician because you\u2019ll also need to have your grounding rod checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  These are the general steps that one should take when dealing with exposed ground wire. Your specific situation might be different and may require extra steps. As always, we recommend you work with a professional and do your own research when dealing with any hazardous parts of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                  <\/a>When Should You Replace Your Ground Wire?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  You might also considering changing your ground wire to better suit your home\u2019s needs. Whether it be for a renovation, change in room use, or for a new appliance , you will need to consider how electricity will reach the ground in the case that your circuit fails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  For the most part, you should change your ground wire when there\u2019s any damage to the wire itself. The last thing that you would want is for any stray electricity to go around places where it shouldn\u2019t be and cause even more damage to your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  When it comes to ground wires, you have much more freedom as to who long or how short you want it to be. You also don\u2019t need to be as picky when it comes to selecting the type of material or the thickness of the wire that you\u2019ll be using for grounding. Remember that the main purpose of a grounding wire is to be a safety feature incase something goes wrong in your circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/a>Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Exposed ground wire is not as dangerous as other exposed wires, however, you must still treat it as a fire hazard and exercise caution at all times. It\u2019s important to you make sure that your grounding wire is working properly for your circuit so that all your electricals can function properly and safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/a>Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n