What defines a conducting object through which a direct connection to earth is established?

A grounding electrode is defined as a conducting object that establishes a direct connection to the earth. This connection is essential for the safety of electrical systems, as it helps to dissipate fault currents safely into the ground, minimizing the risk of electric shock and equipment damage. Grounding electrodes can take various forms, including metal rods, plates, and concrete-encased electrodes, all designed to provide a low-resistance path to earth.

The other options refer to related components but do not specifically define the object itself. A grounding conductor is the wire that connects the grounding electrode to the electrical system but does not itself establish a connection to the earth. The electrical service panel is where the electrical supply enters a building and includes circuits but is not a direct path to the ground. An equipment grounding conductor provides a path for fault current from electrical equipment to the grounding system but is again not the object that directly connects to the earth.