What does equipment grounding involve connecting to?

Equipment grounding primarily involves connecting noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment to the grounded conductor. This practice ensures that any accidental contact with a live part does not pose a risk of electric shock because the grounded metal parts can direct any fault current safely to the ground. By doing so, it protects not only equipment and structures but also individuals who might come into contact with these noncurrent-carrying parts.

The importance of this grounding method lies in its ability to provide a low-resistance path for fault current, thereby triggering the overcurrent protection devices—like circuit breakers or fuses—to operate effectively and disconnect power in case of a fault. This enhances safety, as it minimizes the risk of electric shock or fire hazards that could be triggered by defective or damaged equipment.

Connecting solely to a grounding electrode conductor, limiting to normally current-carrying conductors, or considering all electrical components without specificity overlooks the essential role of grounding in providing a direct path designed for safety in case of electrical faults. This focus on noncurrent-carrying metal parts highlights the fundamental objective of equipment grounding: ensuring safety for both the equipment and individuals.