---
title: "What Is Equipment grounding conductor? Electrical Glossary"
description: "The equipment grounding conductor is the bare or green wire that links metal parts of equipment back to the panel to give a fault a safe path."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/equipment-grounding-conductor
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Wiring and circuits

# Equipment grounding conductor

The equipment grounding conductor is the bare or green wire that links metal parts of equipment back to the panel to give a fault a safe path.

OSHA defines it as the conductor that connects the noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment, raceways and other enclosures to the system grounded conductor, the grounding electrode conductor, or both, at the service equipment. Put simply, it gives a fault a path back to the panel so the breaker trips.

This wire is why the third prong on a [three-prong outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/three-prong-outlet) matters. It works with [bonding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/bonding). Older homes may lack it, as with an [ungrounded outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ungrounded-outlet). A licensed electrician should assess and correct this.

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Bonding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/bonding)
-   [Grounding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding)
-   [Three-prong outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/three-prong-outlet)
-   [Ungrounded outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ungrounded-outlet)

## Sources

1.  [OSHA: 1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399)
2.  [OSHA: 1910.304 Wiring design and protection](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.304)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

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