What is the minimum wire gauge required for a ground ring according to electrical code?

The minimum wire gauge required for a ground ring according to electrical code is 2 AWG. This size is specified to ensure adequate conductivity and safety in grounding systems, which are critical for the protection of people and equipment from electrical faults.

A ground ring typically serves as a low-resistance path to dissipate fault currents safely into the earth. Using a wire gauge that is too small could potentially lead to higher resistance, which might not effectively carry fault currents, increasing the risk of electrical hazards. Therefore, the 2 AWG minimum standard helps ensure that the ground system can safely handle the electrical loads and protect against surges or faults.