What is the minimum wire gauge of a ground ring made of bare copper?

The minimum wire gauge for a ground ring made of bare copper is established to ensure adequate conductivity and safety in grounding applications. The goal of using a ground ring is to provide a reliable path for fault currents and to help protect equipment from electrical surges.

In this context, a ground ring is typically installed to create a low-resistance grounding connection in order to effectively dissipate electrical energy into the earth. A wire gauge of 2 AWG is specified because it strikes a balance between flexibility for installation and sufficient conductivity to handle potential fault currents without overheating or breaking down. Thicker wire, like 2 AWG, also offers enhanced corrosion resistance and durability in outdoor environments.

Higher gauges such as 4 or 6 AWG would not provide the same level of capacity and safety for grounding purposes, as they would not be able to handle the required current without significant resistance. Therefore, 2 AWG is the appropriate size for ensuring effective grounding performance.