What defines a grounded conductor?

A grounded conductor is defined as one that is intentionally connected to the ground and is capable of carrying current under normal operating conditions. This connection to ground is established to protect both equipment and personnel by providing a path for fault currents and minimizing the risk of electric shock.

The grounding of conductors serves multiple purposes, including stabilizing voltage levels, preventing electrical noise, and facilitating overcurrent protection. In practice, a grounded conductor is used in many electrical systems to ensure safety and reliability.

In contrast, conductors that are solely designated for grounding do not carry current during normal operation and are specifically included in electrical systems to handle fault conditions. Conductors used exclusively for voltage measurement do not pertain to the grounding definition since their primary function is for measurement rather than as a means of current management. Lastly, while a conductor may be rated to carry high voltage, this characteristic does not define it as a grounded conductor unless it is also intentionally referenced to ground.