Which NEC article covers the rules for equipment grounding conductors in branch circuits?

Which NEC article covers the rules for equipment grounding conductors in branch circuits?

• A. Article 314
• B. Article 250
• C. Article 230
• D. Article 404

Answer: (B)

Equipment grounding conductors in branch circuits are governed by the grounding and bonding rules, which are found in Article 250 of the NEC. This article lays out how the equipment grounding conductor is connected to the system ground, to enclosure and equipment, and how it provides a low-impedance path for fault currents so the overcurrent device trips quickly, protecting people from shock and reducing equipment damage. A key detail is that the size of the equipment grounding conductor is determined based on the overcurrent device protecting the circuit (per the sizing rule in 250.122). The other articles cover different topics: Article 314 deals with boxes and enclosures and how wiring is installed within them; Article 230 covers services and service conductors; Article 404 deals with switches. Since those do not specifically address the rules for equipment grounding conductors in branch circuits, Article 250 is the correct source for this topic.

Equipment grounding conductors in branch circuits are governed by the grounding and bonding rules, which are found in Article 250 of the NEC. This article lays out how the equipment grounding conductor is connected to the system ground, to enclosure and equipment, and how it provides a low-impedance path for fault currents so the overcurrent device trips quickly, protecting people from shock and reducing equipment damage. A key detail is that the size of the equipment grounding conductor is determined based on the overcurrent device protecting the circuit (per the sizing rule in 250.122).

The other articles cover different topics: Article 314 deals with boxes and enclosures and how wiring is installed within them; Article 230 covers services and service conductors; Article 404 deals with switches. Since those do not specifically address the rules for equipment grounding conductors in branch circuits, Article 250 is the correct source for this topic.