What is the ground lead?

The ground lead, also known as the ground wire or grounding conductor, is an electrical wire that connects the electrical system or device to the ground. Its primary purpose is to provide a safe path for electrical current to flow into the earth in the event of a fault, such as a short circuit, preventing electric shock and reducing the risk of fire. Ground leads are essential for ensuring safety in electrical installations and are typically connected to grounding electrodes, such as grounding rods or metal water pipes.