Which of the following is used to connect the grounded conductor to a grounding electrode?

The grounding electrode conductor is specifically designed for the purpose of connecting the grounded conductor to a grounding electrode. This establishes a safe path for electrical faults to ground, which helps to ensure that any stray voltage or fault current is safely dispersed. The grounding electrode itself is part of the overall grounding system, functioning to direct excessive charges from lightning strikes or electrical faults away from service equipment and into the earth.

The grounded conductor, often referred to as the neutral wire, relies on this connection to maintain the proper voltage levels and provide safety against shock hazards. This connection also helps prevent equipment damage from overvoltage conditions.

In contrast, the neutral wire serves a different purpose, primarily carrying the return current from the load. The service entrance conductor comprises the wires that connect the electrical service to the building, which includes both the supply of power and does not serve the purpose of grounding. Similarly, while a grounding strap provides a means of bonding different parts of equipment to achieve grounding, it is not specifically intended to connect the grounded conductor to a grounding electrode. Therefore, the grounding electrode conductor is the correct choice for this particular function in an electrical system.