What is the required condition for the continuity of the grounded conductor?

The requirement for the continuity of the grounded conductor focuses on ensuring that there is a continuous path for fault currents to safely return to the ground, thereby providing a safe electrical system. The grounded conductor must be a single, continuous wire that maintains its integrity throughout the electrical distribution system. In residential wiring, it is critical that this wire has no breaks, jumps, or disconnections at any point in its path.

When evaluating the options, the correct choice specifies "Wire only," highlighting that the grounded conductor itself must maintain its continuity without any interruptions. Other components like busbars, chains, connectors, or rods are not essential for the continuity of the grounded conductor, as they point towards connections or different methods of grounding rather than a straightforward continuous wire. Thus, the focus remains solely on the wire itself, which acts as the main pathway for the safe return of electrical fault currents.