What is the purpose of an overhead ground wire?

The overhead ground wire primarily serves the purpose of protecting transmission lines from lightning strikes. When lightning occurs, it can produce high voltage surges that can damage electrical infrastructure. The overhead ground wire provides a conductive path for the lightning to follow, directing the electrical energy safely to the ground. This prevents the lightning from hitting the more vulnerable components of the transmission system, such as the conductors carrying electricity.

By providing this protective feature, the overhead ground wire helps ensure the reliability and safety of the electrical grid. It mitigates the risk of outages or equipment failure caused by electrical surges from lightning, thereby enhancing the overall durability of the power transmission system.