Which wire color is typically used for grounding in residential wiring?

The typical color used for grounding in residential wiring is green. This color designation is standardized in electrical codes to help ensure safety and consistency in installation. Ground wires serve an essential function in electrical systems by providing a safe pathway for electricity to return to the ground in the event of a fault, thus preventing electric shock or fire hazards. The designation of green for ground wires helps electricians easily identify the function of the wire during installation and troubleshooting.

Other colors in residential wiring have specific roles: black is commonly used for hot wires, carrying current from the power source, while white is typically used as a neutral wire, carrying current away from appliances back to the power source. Gray may also be utilized for neutral wires in some situations but isn't standard for grounding. This unified color coding contributes to safer electrical practices, preventing mistakes during electrical work.