Grounding electrode conductor

OSHA defines it as the conductor that connects the grounding electrode to the equipment grounding conductor, the grounded conductor, or both, at the service equipment. The DOE handbook says it should be a properly sized conductor with no splice, running between the grounding busbar and the electrode system.

You can often see it running from the electrical panel to a ground rod outside. Do not cut, move or tape over it, because a cut wire removes a safety path. A licensed electrician should handle it. See grounding.