Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

When is building steel permitted in an electro grounding system?

1. When connected to a separate panel

2. When only the steel is connected to earth ground

3. When it is insulated from ground

4. When it is used as a structural support only

The correct answer is: When only the steel is connected to earth ground

Building steel is permitted in an electro grounding system when only the steel is connected to earth ground. This means that the steel must be bonded to the grounding system to ensure that it provides a safe path for electrical faults, reducing the risk of electric shock and fire hazards. Grounding the steel helps to dissipate electrical energy safely into the earth, which is essential for the safety of the electrical system and the building. In contrast, a scenario where steel is insulated from ground would prevent it from providing any grounding benefits, while using it solely as structural support without proper grounding does not serve any electrical safety purpose. If the steel were connected to a separate panel without proper bonding to the grounding system, it could lead to potentially hazardous conditions where fault currents do not have a safe path. Therefore, for building steel to be utilized in an electro grounding system, it must be effectively grounded for safety and compliance with electrical codes.