Equipment grounded, conductor contacts of receptacles, and cord connectors must be grounded by what method?

The proper method for grounding equipment, conductor contacts of receptacles, and cord connectors is to ensure they are connected to the equipment grounding conductor. This method adheres to safety standards and regulations that are designed to prevent electrical shock and ensure proper functioning of electrical systems.

By grounding through the equipment grounding conductor, any fault current that may occur due to a fault in the equipment can be safely directed to the ground. This helps to minimize the risk of electric shock to users and protects the equipment from damage. Furthermore, it is in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, which dictate that all receptacles and grounding systems must be connected to a designated grounding point that provides a low-impedance path to ground.

Other methods of grounding, such as connecting to any ground source, the neutral wire, or the circuit box, do not provide the same level of safety and reliability. For example, using the neutral wire for grounding is not acceptable as it can create a hazardous condition if there is a fault or disruption in the circuit, as it can lead to potential overloading and electric shock.

Thus, relying on the equipment grounding conductor ensures that the grounding system is both safe and effective, aligning with existing electrical codes and standards.