earth connections

MAIN difference: One is designed to carry current when the system is normal, the other is designed to carry current only when the system fails.

OTHER differences:

One is not always needed, the other is always needed.

One can be used to complete a circuit, the other must not be used to complete a circuit.

One is always insulated, the other can be bare.

They both run together at the same time with the hot conductors, but are not always the same size wire by code.

One can have more than one color code, one must be green or bare.

One is called an 'earthed conductor', the other is called an 'earthing conductor'.

One has a few specific details given in a code, the other has an entire chapter devoted to it in the code.

One is a fairly understood circuit component, the other can give rise to many problems and is little understood by many.

The list goes on.

Have fun getting to know the rest of the answers to this very important question, as this could be the difference between excellent work and dangerous work, understanding circuits or just drawing them, being able to troubleshoot or having trouble.

Please let us know what else you find to add to this list, so we may know if you get the understanding of the answer to your question.

Regards, CJM