A bare conductor is a wire or cable core that has no insulating or jacket material covering it.
Bare conductors are made entirely of conductive material, typically copper or aluminum, without insulation or protective sheathing. They are used in situations where insulation is unnecessary or intentionally excluded, such as in grounding, bonding, or certain structural applications. In commercial and industrial settings, bare conductors are often installed in controlled environments like electrical cabinets, bonding grids, or overhead distribution systems where they remain isolated from accidental contact. With no insulation, they offer cost efficiency and improved heat dissipation but must be routed according to code for safety. A key role of bare conductors is in grounding systems, safely redirecting electrical faults or interference away from equipment and sensitive circuits.
Commonly referenced in standards from the NEC (National Electrical Code), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).
Bare conductors were used in the earliest electrical systems, including telegraph and early power distribution networks, when insulation materials were limited. Over time, insulation became standard, but bare conductors retained importance in grounding and bonding, with their modern role defined by safety codes and standards.