North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

Are splices allowed in ground wiring?

1. Yes, always

2. Yes, with exceptions

3. No, never

4. Only in specific situations

The correct answer is: No, never

In the context of electrical wiring, particularly ground wiring, splices are generally not permitted. Ground wires are critical for safety, providing a path for fault current to safely travel to the ground in the event of a short circuit or other electrical malfunction. Allowing splices in ground wiring could introduce potential failure points, increasing the risk of electrical shock or fire hazards. Therefore, the comprehensive safety standards maintained by regulatory bodies, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), advocate for a continuous ground conductor without splices to ensure maximum reliability and integrity of the ground system. Where ground conductors are required to be continuous, any interruption, which could happen by means of a splice, compromises the effectiveness of grounding and can lead to unsafe conditions. While there may be allowances for splices in other types of wiring under certain conditions and with proper techniques, ground wiring is a specific area where maintaining continuity and ensuring safety is paramount. Hence, splices in ground wiring are never allowed according to standard practices.