Are equipment grounding conductors allowed in plastic pipe?

The understanding of equipment grounding conductors primarily pertains to ensuring safety and maintaining fault protection in electrical installations. Equipment grounding conductors must have a reliable path to ground, which is vital in case of a fault or short circuit.

While equipment grounding conductors can indeed be run in different types of conduit, they are generally not permitted to be installed in non-metallic conduits such as plastic pipe. Plastic does not offer the inherent conductive properties and grounding assurance that metallic conduit provides, which can help dissipate stray electrical currents safely to the ground. The Code tends to favor metallic pathways for grounding conductors because they can safeguard against potential electrical shock hazards more effectively.

Thus, the stipulation that equipment grounding conductors must be metallic only is rooted in the goal of ensuring safety through a reliable and effective grounding system. This understanding reinforces the importance of material choice in grounding practices to mitigate risks.