answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

A ground wire is used for a direct path back to the distribution panel independent of the neutral. On a split phase secondary the neutral is used by other circuits on the system and indirectly makes its way back to the distribution panel. This indirect path introduces a resistance in the neutral which could interfere with an instantaneous trip of the over current device. Using a ground wire from the grounding pin on the three blade plug allows a direct low resistance path which takes the fault current back to the distribution panel which then causes an instantaneous breaker trip due to the high current in a short circuit.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the purpose of ground wire?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What is the purpose of the third wire?

By "third wire" I believe you are speaking of the ground wire. Its only purpose is to ensure that the over-current device, which is the breaker or fuse, operates property when a fault exists in the circuit. Without the ground wire you increase your risk of injury, death, or property damage. It is there for your protection. Do not remove it. Always choose to use it when it exists.


Why does a light turn when you place black to black and white to ground wire?

You don't say "turn off" or turn on". Light should be connected black to black and white to white and ground to ground. If you connect white to ground it will work, but you are then using the ground wire for an unintended purpose. Neutral is bonded to Ground at the panel. Current on ground wire could cause ground loops and may cause GFCI to trip if you have them in your house.


3 wire to 2 wire plug?

You get a two wire plug!! You should never try to skip connecting the ground wire, the soul purpose of the ground is to create safety for you and others around you. the problem is that someone may assume that the ground is part of the wire since the plug is a three wire!! \You will have to skip the ground terminal on the plug. Usually plug has a green screw or wire, ground pin is longer than two other and round in shape.


What is the purpose of a guy wire anchor?

The purpose of guy wire anchors is to counteract lateral forces on utility poles and towers induced by wind loads and lateral loads. These anchors usually consist of helical anchors screwed in the ground by hydraulic means.


How should old 3 wire stove be wired in panel bare wire to neutral or ground or both?

Ground wire to neutral wire.

Related questions

What is the the purpose of the ground wire on an appliance?

If there happens to be a fault on that appliance the ground wire is the faults path back to ground.


What is the purpose of the wire that drags ground under shopping carts at Walmart and Target?

It's supposed to be the ground wire...to keep the shopping carts from building up static electricity.


What is the purpose of the third wire?

By "third wire" I believe you are speaking of the ground wire. Its only purpose is to ensure that the over-current device, which is the breaker or fuse, operates property when a fault exists in the circuit. Without the ground wire you increase your risk of injury, death, or property damage. It is there for your protection. Do not remove it. Always choose to use it when it exists.


Why does a light turn when you place black to black and white to ground wire?

You don't say "turn off" or turn on". Light should be connected black to black and white to white and ground to ground. If you connect white to ground it will work, but you are then using the ground wire for an unintended purpose. Neutral is bonded to Ground at the panel. Current on ground wire could cause ground loops and may cause GFCI to trip if you have them in your house.


You are trying to determine the purpose of a wire black with green tracer that is connected to the radio ground strap of a 1998 Plynmouth Voyager Is it some kind of ground or does it have another purp?

its a ground


What is meant by ground wire?

It means a wire in the ground.


3 wire to 2 wire plug?

You get a two wire plug!! You should never try to skip connecting the ground wire, the soul purpose of the ground is to create safety for you and others around you. the problem is that someone may assume that the ground is part of the wire since the plug is a three wire!! \You will have to skip the ground terminal on the plug. Usually plug has a green screw or wire, ground pin is longer than two other and round in shape.


What is the purpose of the chain on the bottom of an ambulance?

It acts as a ground wire constatly touching the ground so the thousands of dollars worht of machines and computers dont blow up.


What do you do with the ground wire when installing a new thermostat that doesn't have a connection for the ground wire It's a 4 wire Honeywell thermostat Is it ok to not connect the ground wire?

That Thermostat is LOW voltage. IT does not have a ground wire. There is no need for a ground. it only opperates on 24 volts. there may be a green wire but it does not mean it is a ground


How do I rewire an ungrounded plug?

If there is no ground wire connect the ground wire to the neutral wire.


How do I test for a ground wire?

Check the continuity of the ground wire from both the ends. Ensure the ground wire is properly connected to earth / ground terminals


How do you wire a wire to a wire?

If you are connecting 120 volts, you connect the black wire to the breaker, white wire to the neutral bar, and ground wire to the ground bar. If you are connecting 240 volts connect the black & white wires to the breaker, & ground wire to the ground bar.