What material is commonly used for grounding conductors?

Grounding conductors are essential for the safe operation of electrical systems, as they provide a pathway for fault current to return to the ground. The most common materials used for grounding conductors are copper and aluminum. These materials are favored due to their excellent electrical conductivity, which ensures that they can effectively carry fault currents and minimize the risk of electric shock or fire.

Copper is particularly valued for its high conductivity and resistance to corrosion, making it a reliable choice for grounding applications. Aluminum is also used because it is lighter and typically less expensive than copper, while still providing adequate conductivity for most applications.

The other materials listed, such as steel, plastic, gold, silver, PVC, and fiberglass, do not possess the same combination of conductivity, durability, and cost-effectiveness that copper and aluminum provide. For grounding conductors, the ability to quickly and safely conduct electricity to the ground is paramount, which is why copper and aluminum are the materials of choice in electrical installations.