Must the grounded conductor of a service always be a neutral conductor?

The correct answer is that the grounded conductor of a service does not always have to be a neutral conductor. In electrical systems, a grounded conductor is meant to provide a path for fault current and to stabilize the voltage with respect to the ground. While the neutral conductor is indeed a grounded conductor, not all grounded conductors must serve this role.

In various electrical services, especially in specific configurations or systems (such as certain ungrounded or delta systems), a grounded conductor might not be the neutral. This distinction is significant because the neutral conductor serves specific functions in balancing the load, while a grounded conductor may serve just to connect equipment to the ground potential for safety reasons.

Therefore, while the neutral conductor is a type of grounded conductor, the implication that all grounded conductors must be neutral is not accurate, reinforcing the answer that it is false. This understanding helps in the practical applications and safety standards that govern electrical installations and ensures compliance with relevant codes.