Building Code Glossary
Grounding Conductor: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define grounding 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
Grounding conductor is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.” 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 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009), Swimming Pools (IRC 2009), Services (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?
Grounding Conductor — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Grounding Conductor is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.
Where grounding conductor is used in the code
The term appears in 9 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 59 |
| Swimming Pools | IRC 2009 | 32 |
| Services | IRC 2009 | 29 |
| Devices and Luminaires | IRC 2009 | 28 |
| General Requirements | IRC 2009 | 6 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Wiring Methods | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about grounding conductor, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where one or more equipment grounding conductors or equipment bonding jumpers enters a box, a single volume allowance in accordance with Table E3905.13.2.1 shall be made based on the largest equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding jumper present in the box.
Where the bonding grid is connected to the equipment grounding conductor of the motor circuit in accordance with Section E4204.2, Item 6.1, the branch circuit wiring shall comply with Sections E4202.1 and E4205.5.
An equipment grounding conductor as described in Section E3908 shall be run with the supply conductors and connected to the building or structure disconnecting means and to the grounding electrode(s).
The terms grounding conductor is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what grounding conductor covers:
- Grounding Electrode — IRC 2009: A conducting object through which a direct connection to earth is established.
- Equipment — IRC 2009: All piping, ducts, vents, control devices and other components of systems other than appliances that are permanently installed and integrated to provide control of environmental conditions for buildings.
- 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.
Grounding 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 | Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Swimming Pools (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Services (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Devices and Luminaires (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Grounding Electrode | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Equipment | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Conductor | |
| 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?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Grounding Electrode: Building Code Definition
- Equipment: Building Code Definition
- Conductor: Building Code Definition
- System: Building Code Definition
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 grounding conductor?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.” 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 grounding conductor?
In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Power and Lighting Distribution 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 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 conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.” 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 a grounded conductor?
Grounded Conductor is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.” That is not the same as grounding conductor, which the IRC 2009 defines as “A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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 conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.” It is defined in IRC 2009. It is not the same as Grounded Conductor, which the IRC 2009 defines separately as “A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.” 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.
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