Does the grounded conductor carry normal current in a circuit?

The grounded conductor, often referred to as the grounding or neutral wire in electrical systems, is a crucial part of the overall circuit design. It is designed to provide a path for the return current in an electrical system. In a properly functioning circuit, the grounded conductor does carry normal current under certain conditions.

In a balanced AC circuit, it is true that the grounded conductor can carry current, especially when there is an unbalanced load. For instance, in a multi-wire branch circuit, if the loads are not equal, the neutral conductor will carry the imbalance of current back to the source. In DC circuits, the grounded conductor may carry current as well, depending on the circuit configuration.

Thus, stating that the grounded conductor carries normal current, as indicated in the response, is accurate. It reflects the operational role of the grounding system in ensuring safety and effective current flow in both AC and DC applications.