In a grounded system, what type of conductor must the service be supplied with?

In a grounded system, the service must be supplied with a grounded conductor. This is crucial because grounding helps establish a reference point for the electrical system and provides a path for fault current to safely dissipate into the earth. It enhances safety by minimizing the risk of sparks and fire that can occur due to electrical faults, and it prevents the buildup of voltages that could endanger equipment and personnel.

A grounded conductor is vital in maintaining system stability and ensuring that the protective devices, like circuit breakers and fuses, operate correctly during overcurrent conditions. By having a grounded system, it reduces the risk of electric shock, and ensures that electrical equipment operates reliably and safely within its designed voltage levels.

While the terms such as bonded, neutral, and service also relate to electrical systems, they serve different purposes and characteristics within the broader scope of electrical safety and code compliance. For instance, bonded conductors refer to connections that ensure all metal parts of electrical equipment are at the same potential, while neutral conductors are typically the return path for current. The term service refers to the point where the electrical supply enters a building. Thus, the grounded conductor is the most crucial in this context for ensuring safety and functionality in a grounded system.