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    rudy cruz's Avatar
    rudy cruz Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 29, 2009, 08:14 PM
    Bare copper wire;
    Bare copper wire;

    Why do we use bare copper wire for grounding, why not all insulated?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 29, 2009, 08:30 PM

    Ever seen a green wire, that's a ground too.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Apr 29, 2009, 09:29 PM

    Bare is almost always used for bonding or making surfaces equipotential. If you got a lightning strike and the strike went to ground, the insulation would be toast. Uninsulated wire is less expensive to make.

    Romex such as 14/2 with ground, still has somewhat of an insulated sheath because of the outer covering. Lightning strikes destroys this covering easily.
    sathe1963's Avatar
    sathe1963 Posts: 97, Reputation: 4
    Junior Member
    		  
    #4

    Apr 29, 2009, 11:38 PM
    Insulated wire also will do of same gauge. But why to pay for more cost of insulation? Hence, bare conductor is used. There is no harm if insulated conductor is used.
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