Otherwise the electricity would escape and get away.

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Originally Posted by yixun

Electrical cables and wires are always covered with rubber or plastic why

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And this is not even 100% true. Things like URD cable are intended for direct burial in the ground and are individual conductors.

Well, that and the escaping electric thing. :D

Because the NEC says that all conductors will be insulated. The grounding conductor (usually bare) does not have to be insulated.

And of course the escaping and pooling of electrons on the floor.

Those pesky electrons!

All good answers but remember it doesn't apply to motors. Smoke powers motors... when the smoke starts coming out the motor quits... nothing to do with electrons.