What is a "grounded conductor"?

A grounded conductor is specifically defined as a conductor that is intentionally grounded. This means it is connected to the ground or a grounding system, which is crucial for safety in electrical installations. Grounding provides a path for fault current, reduces the risk of electric shock, and helps to stabilize voltage levels.

When a conductor is intentionally grounded, it ensures that it is at the same electrical potential as the earth, which can help prevent damage from lightning strikes and electrical surges. Grounded conductors are especially important in ensuring that all parts of an electrical system work safely and effectively together.

By contrast, while other choices mention aspects of conductors, they do not accurately reflect the definition of a grounded conductor. For example, a conductor that remains insulated from all other components does not fulfill any grounding function, nor do conductors exclusively used for neutral currents or those connecting to supplemental electrodes. These terms refer to specific roles within electrical systems but do not capture the essential characteristic of a grounded conductor.