If branch circuits requiring equipment grounding conductors are supplied by a feeder, is the feeder required to provide the equipment grounding conductor?

The rationale for the correct answer centers on the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements regarding grounding conductors in feeder circuits. When branch circuits necessitate equipment grounding conductors and those circuits are fed by a feeder, the feeder must indeed provide an equipment grounding conductor unless there are specific provisions that state otherwise. This stipulation ensures that all electrically conductive materials that could become energized are safely grounded, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of electric shock or fire.

The requirement for the equipment grounding conductor in feeders is crucial for system reliability and to ensure a safe path for fault current. This practice aligns with the NEC's overarching goal of minimizing electrical hazards and ensuring all parts of a system are adequately protected. Therefore, the provision of equipment grounding conductors by feeders is an essential element of electrical system design and safety.

Understanding this aspect is vital for ensuring compliance with safety standards and protecting both people and property in electrical installations.