What is the standard color of an equipment grounding conductor?

The standard color for an equipment grounding conductor is green. This color designation is mandated by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and is used to provide clear identification of the grounding wire within an electrical system. The purpose of the equipment grounding conductor is to ensure safety by providing a low-resistance path for electrical current to flow in the event of a fault, which helps to prevent electrical shock and equipment damage.

Using green for grounding conductors aids in reducing confusion and enhances the safety of electrical installations. This standardization is critical for electrical professionals to recognize grounding conductors quickly, ensuring proper installation and compliance with safety regulations. The colors white and gray are typically reserved for neutral conductors, while black is used for hot conductors, which are not intended for grounding purposes.