In electrical systems, there are two primary types of grounding conductors: the Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) and the Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC).

• Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC): This is the main safety conductor that connects an electrical system's service equipment (like a breaker panel) to the physical earth via a grounding electrode (e.g., a ground rod or a metal water pipe). Its purpose is to provide a low-resistance path for lightning strikes and utility surges to safely dissipate into the ground.

• Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC): This is the "ground wire" you find in electrical circuits, typically bare or green-insulated. It connects the non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment (like a motor frame or a light fixture) back to the main service panel. In the event of an electrical fault, the EGC provides a direct path for the fault current to return to the source, which immediately trips the circuit breaker and prevents a dangerous electrical shock.