What color is used for ground wires in most residential installations?

In residential installations, ground wires are commonly identified by their green insulation or are left bare. This color-coding is essential for safety and compliance with electrical codes, as it clearly distinguishes ground wires from other conductors, minimizing the risk of improper connections. Ground wires serve the critical purpose of providing a safe path for electrical currents to dissipate into the earth in the event of a fault, which helps prevent electrical shock and equipment damage.

While other colors are designated for different types of conductors—such as black for hot wires and red sometimes used for second-phase conductors or switched legs—the green or bare color for ground wires is a universally recognized standard. This consistent color coding helps electricians, inspectors, and anyone working on electrical systems to quickly identify the purpose of each wire, leading to safer practices and reducing the likelihood of errors during installation or maintenance.