Building Code Glossary
Grounded Conductor: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define grounded conductor, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Grounded conductor is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 10 chapters of this corpus, most often in Services (IRC 2009), General Requirements (IRC 2009), Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Grounded Conductor — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Grounded Conductor is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.
Where grounded conductor is used in the code
The term appears in 10 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Services | IRC 2009 | 27 |
| General Requirements | IRC 2009 | 16 |
| Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements | IRC 2009 | 13 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 7 |
| Devices and Luminaires | IRC 2009 | 6 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Swimming Pools | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Wiring Methods | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about grounded conductor, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The grounded conductor ampacity shall be not less than the maximum unbalance of the load and its size shall be not smaller than the required minimum grounding electrode conductor size specified in Table E3603.1.
All conductors of the same circuit and, where used, the grounded conductor and all equipment grounding conductors and bonding conductors shall be contained within the same raceway, cable or cord.
Overcurrent devices shall not be connected in series with a grounded conductor.
The terms grounded conductor is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what grounded conductor covers:
- Conductor — IPC 2009: A pipe inside the building that conveys storm water from the roof to a storm or combined bUilding drain.
- System — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.
Grounded Conductor: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Electrical Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Services (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Requirements (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Electrical Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Conductor | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | System | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of grounded conductor?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on grounded conductor?
In this corpus the term is used across 10 chapters, led by Services in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the definition of a grounded conductor?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.” It is defined in IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What is the difference between a grounded conductor and a grounding conductor?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.” It is defined in IRC 2009. It is not the same as Grounding Conductor, which the IRC 2009 defines separately as “A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.” Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
Related pages
- Ground-fault Circuit-interrupter: Building Code Definition
Ground-fault Circuit-interrupter — IRC 2009 definition: A device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion …
- Ground Source Heat Pump Loop System: Building Code Definition
Ground Source Heat Pump Loop System — IMC 2009 definition: Piping buried in horizontal or vertical excavations or placed in a body of water for the …
- Ground-source Heat Pump Loop System: Building Code Definition
Ground-source Heat Pump Loop System — IRC 2009 definition: Piping buried in horizontal or vertical excavations or placed in a body of water for the …
- Grounding Conductor: Building Code Definition
Grounding Conductor — IRC 2009 definition: A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a …
- Grounding Electrode: Building Code Definition
Grounding Electrode — IRC 2009 definition: A conducting object through which a direct connection to earth is established.
- Guard: Building Code Definition
Guard — IBC 2009 definition: A building component or a system of building components located at or near the open sides …