North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

Can a ground wire be split using a bolt connector?

1. Yes, it is a standard practice

2. No, splices are not allowed

3. Yes, with the correct tools

4. No, but other connectors can be used

The correct answer is: No, splices are not allowed

The correct choice indicates that splicing a ground wire using a bolt connector is not permitted. This is based on standards and best practices in electrical work, which emphasize the importance of maintaining a continuous grounding system for safety reasons. Ground wires are critical for preventing electrical shock and ensuring that excess current has a safe path to the ground. When grounding wires are spliced improperly, it can lead to weak connections, increased resistance, and potential failure of the grounding system. According to electrical codes, ground wires must remain intact without splices to ensure their reliability and uninterrupted path to ground. Specific types of connectors and junctions are designated for ground wires to maintain their integrity. This regulation underlines the seriousness of grounding requirements and the role they play in overall electrical safety. While there might be alternative methods and other types of connectors designed for different electrical applications, splicing is generally not an option for ground wires to ensure that the electrical system remains safe and compliant with regulations.