The following statement is true: Grounding electrode conductors that are 6 AWG or larger and not exposed to physical damage may be run along the surface of the building without metal covering.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if painted
• D. Only in non-residential buildings

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the NEC allows a grounding electrode conductor to be run along the exterior surface of a building without a metal raceway as an exception, but only if the conductor is 6 AWG or larger and not exposed to physical damage. This reflects that large, low-impedance conductors used for grounding are robust and carry fault current only briefly, so they don’t require the same level of enclosure as smaller, current-carrying conductors. When conditions are met, you can secure the conductor to the building surface with appropriate fastenings and ensure it remains continuous and protected from damage. If the conductor were smaller than 6 AWG or if there were any risk of physical damage, it would need to be installed in a raceway or otherwise protected.