What should be verified when steel conduit forms the protective conductor?

When steel conduit serves as the protective conductor, verifying the integrity of all joints is paramount. This is because the effectiveness of the conduit depends on the continuity of the conductive path provided by these joints. Any break or poor connection can result in an increased resistance at that joint, which could compromise the function of the conduit as a protective component. In the event of a fault, a proper path for fault current is critical to ensure the safety of the electrical system, allowing protective devices to operate correctly and prevent shock hazards or fire risks.

In practice, the integrity assessment involves checking that all joints are secure, properly bonded, and free from corrosion or damage. Ensuring these points helps maintain the overall safety and reliability of the installation.

While the condition of electrical insulation, correct installation of the conduit, and overall compliance with electrical regulations are important considerations in electrical safety and installation, they do not focus specifically on the joint integrity, which is directly related to the functionality of the conduit as a protective conductor. Hence, verifying the integrity of all joints becomes the most critical aspect in this scenario.