New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true regarding connection of non-current carrying parts?

1. They are never required to be grounded

2. They must always be insulated

3. They should not connect to grounding conductors

4. They must be connected to grounding conductors

The correct answer is: They must be connected to grounding conductors

The requirement for non-current carrying parts to be connected to grounding conductors is based on safety standards and electrical codes, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC). Non-current carrying parts, which include equipment enclosures, frames, and components that do not conduct electricity during normal operation, must be grounded to prevent shock hazards. Grounding these parts provides a safe path for fault currents in case of insulation failure or faults within the equipment. This helps in ensuring that any stray voltage is directed safely to the ground, minimizing the risk of electrical shock to personnel and damage to equipment. Grounding also helps to stabilize the voltage levels of the equipment during operation. In contrast, other statements suggest alternative practices which do not align with safety standards. For example, stating that non-current carrying parts are never required to be grounded overlooks the essential safety practice that grounding is necessary to protect users in case of equipment failure. Similarly, implying that these parts must always be insulated does not acknowledge instances where grounding is imperative for safety. Furthermore, advising that non-current carrying parts should not connect to grounding conductors neglects the fundamental principle of using ground connections for safety. Overall, grounding non-current carrying parts is crucial for preventing electrical hazards and ensuring safe operation of electrical systems.