What gauge wire should be used to ground a burglar alarm panel?

• A. 18 AWG
• B. 20 AWG
• C. 22 AWG
• D. 24 AWG

Answer: (A)

Grounding the burglar alarm panel needs a sturdy, low-impedance path to the building’s ground so the panel chassis is bonded and any fault currents or electrical noise have a reliable path. An 18 AWG conductor provides enough cross-sectional area to keep resistance low and resist physical damage during installation, which is why it’s the standard choice for this bonding use. Thinner wires—20, 22, or 24 AWG—offer higher resistance and are more prone to damage or loosening, which can compromise the grounding path and potentially introduce issues with the system’s operation. So, 18 AWG is the recommended size for grounding a burglar alarm panel. Always follow the panel manufacturer’s instructions and local code requirements, as these can specify exact gauge needs or additional grounding requirements.