Under normal conditions, does the ground carry current?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only during faults
• D. Only during startup

Answer: (B)

Ground is a safety path, not a current-carrying part of the normal circuit. In normal operation, power flows through the hot conductor and returns via the neutral. The equipment grounding conductor is bonded to metal enclosures and to earth to provide a low-impedance path only in the event of an insulation fault. Because there’s no intentional return path through the ground for the normal circuit, the grounding conductor should carry essentially zero current most of the time. If current does appear on the ground, it indicates a fault or leakage and protective devices are expected to trip. Tiny leakage or capacitive currents can exist in some equipment, but they are not part of normal operation.