Definition
An electrical conductor (typically a wire) that has no insulation or protective covering over its conducting surface.
Plain English
A wire with no plastic, rubber, or other insulating coating around it — just the metal itself, exposed.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical-system inspection, wiring repair, bonding straps, grounding paths, and maintenance descriptions of damaged or intentionally uncovered wiring.
Derivation
From the Old English 'bær' meaning uncovered or naked, and the Latin 'conducere' (to lead together). A bare conductor is literally an 'uncovered leader' of electricity.
Why Pilots Care
Bare conductors provide essential grounding paths that prevent static buildup and electrical interference in flight.
Analogy
Think of a household wire after the plastic covering has been stripped back: the shiny metal you can see is the bare conductor.
Intuition Check
Bare does not just mean the wire is visible. It means the current-carrying metal itself has no insulating cover over it. Also, bare does not always mean damaged; some conductors are intentionally left uncovered for grounding or bonding.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic noted chafed insulation that had exposed a bare conductor near the fuel pump wiring.
Example Sentence 2
During the inspection the pilot verified that all bare conductors remained secure and free of corrosion.