In a grounded system, is the grounded conductor required to be bonded at the service disconnecting means?

In a grounded system, the requirement for the grounded conductor to be bonded at the service disconnecting means is essential for the safety and effectiveness of the grounding system. Bonding the grounded conductor at the service disconnect ensures that there is a low-resistance path for fault currents to return to their source. This facilitates the proper operation of overcurrent protective devices, such as circuit breakers or fuses, helping to prevent electrical shock hazards and equipment damage.

Additionally, bonding at the service disconnect means helps to maintain a common ground potential, minimizing the risk of voltage differences between different grounding points. This is crucial in reducing shock hazards for personnel who might come into contact with electrical installations.

While other options may suggest scenarios where bonding is unnecessary or conditional, the binding at the service disconnect is a fundamental requirement codified in electrical standards and codes to ensure safety and system integrity.