Can a grounded neutral wire serve as an equipment ground?

A grounded neutral wire cannot serve as an equipment ground. This is based on electrical safety standards and practices, where the neutral and ground wires have distinct functions. The neutral wire is designed to carry current under normal operating conditions, while the equipment ground is intended for safety purposes—to provide a low-resistance path for any fault current and to protect individuals from electric shocks.

Using a grounded neutral as an equipment ground may lead to several issues, including the potential for stray voltage on metal parts of electrical equipment, which can create hazardous situations. This practice can also compromise the effectiveness of overcurrent protection devices and lead to increased fault currents in the neutral, increasing the risk of overheating or fire.

In electrical systems, maintaining a clear separation between the neutral and ground wires helps ensure safety and reliability. Thus, the grounded neutral cannot serve as an adequate equipment ground under any circumstances.