ground-wire
Definition
- Noun:
- Electrical safety conductor: A "ground-wire" is a wire that connects an electrical circuit or device to the earth, providing a path for fault currents to safely dissipate, thereby preventing electric shock or fire.
Usage Examples
- (A safety wire connected to the earth.)
- (An earth connection is missing.)
- (The earth conductor must be firmly fastened.)
Advanced Usage
"to run a ground-wire": to install a wire that connects a system to the earth.
- We had to run a ground-wire from the antenna to a copper rod buried in the yard. (We installed an earth connection for the antenna.)
"ground-wire resistance": the electrical resistance of the ground-wire, which must be low for effective safety.
- The technician measured the ground-wire resistance to ensure it meets code. (He checked the earth conductor's electrical resistance.)
Variants and Related Words
Ground wire (n, alternative spelling): the same as "ground-wire," often written without a hyphen.
- The ground wire must be green or bare copper. (The earth conductor color code.)
Grounding (n): the act or process of connecting to the earth.
- Proper grounding is essential for all electrical installations. (The process of connecting to earth.)
Synonyms
Earth wire: a wire that connects an electrical system to the ground (commonly used in British English).
- The earth wire carries fault current safely away. (Same function as ground-wire.)
Ground conductor: a general term for any conductor used for grounding.
- The ground conductor must be sized according to the circuit's capacity. (A broader term for the wire.)
Related Idioms
To be grounded: to be connected to the earth electrically, or to have a stable, realistic outlook.
- The device must be grounded to prevent static buildup. (Connected to earth.)
To ground someone: to restrict someone's activities, often as punishment, or to teach basic principles.
- The teacher grounded the students in electrical safety before the lab. (Taught fundamental principles.)