In the typical wiring described, the earth wire is at what potential?

In the typical wiring described, the earth wire is at what potential?

• A. 0 volts
• B. 230 volts
• C. 110 volts
• D. 120 volts

Answer: (A)

The earth wire provides a safety grounding path and is tied to the actual ground. Because it is connected to the earth, its potential is defined as zero volts, serving as a reference point for the system. This lets fault currents flow safely to the ground and triggers protective devices to disconnect the supply. In normal operation it carries little or no current. The live wire, by contrast, is at mains potential relative to earth (about 230 V in many countries). So the earth wire sits at 0 volts.

The earth wire provides a safety grounding path and is tied to the actual ground. Because it is connected to the earth, its potential is defined as zero volts, serving as a reference point for the system. This lets fault currents flow safely to the ground and triggers protective devices to disconnect the supply. In normal operation it carries little or no current. The live wire, by contrast, is at mains potential relative to earth (about 230 V in many countries). So the earth wire sits at 0 volts.