As I understand, grounded<\/em> refers to the return line of a circuit. When the circuit is being used, current will flow through the grounded wire, but it’s after the device, whereas the “hot” wire is before. I’ve seen the grounded wire also called “neutral” or “common.” In my experience, the grounded wire has white insulation.<\/p>\n The grounding<\/em> wire is for safety. Typically, current won’t be flowing through it even when the circuit is being used. The grounding wire is normally bare, in the cases I’ve seen. It’s there to conduct electricity away if a problem develops with the circuit.<\/p>\n Source:<\/p>\n Fundamentals of Electricity: c03.apogee.net<\/a><\/p>\nJack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane,<\/a> Campbell River, BC.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Self-tutoring about electrical terminology: the tutor mentions the difference between “grounded” and “grounding”. As I understand, grounded refers to the return line of a circuit. When the circuit is being used, current will flow through the grounded wire, but it’s …<\/p>\n