Oklahoma Electrical Practice Exam

How many AWG grounding wires are utilized in the scenario with ungrounded wires?

1. One

2. Two

3. Three

4. Four

The correct answer is: Two

In a scenario with ungrounded wires, the typical approach is to use two AWG grounding wires. This is based on the principle of redundancy and safety. The two grounding wires serve to address potential failures or faults in the system. Typically, one wire acts as the primary ground connection, while the second wire provides a backup or alternate path to ground. This is particularly important in ensuring that if one grounding path fails, the other can still provide a safe discharge of electrical current, helping to prevent electrical shocks and equipment damage. Using multiple grounding wires helps to enhance the safety of electrical installations, especially in systems where grounding may be compromised or where ungrounded conductors are present. This redundancy is crucial for maintaining a reliable grounding system, which is essential in both residential and commercial electrical applications.