For lighting circuits, NEC Section 404.2(C) requires a(n) ___ conductor to be provided in each switch box or enclosure.

For lighting circuits, NEC Section 404.2(C) requires a(n) ___ conductor to be provided in each switch box or enclosure.

• A. ungrounded
• B. designated
• C. grounded
• D. grounding

Answer: (C)

The important idea is that a neutral, or grounded conductor, must be present in every switch box for lighting circuits. This provides the return path for current and supports modern, power-hungry or electronic switches that require a neutral at the switch location. The grounded conductor is the neutral (typically the white wire) connected to the system’s reference point. It’s different from the grounding conductor, which is the safety earth/green or bare wire used only for fault protection. The other options describe hot (ungrounded) or safety-grounding conductors, which are not what this code requirement calls for. That’s why the correct choice is the grounded conductor.

The important idea is that a neutral, or grounded conductor, must be present in every switch box for lighting circuits. This provides the return path for current and supports modern, power-hungry or electronic switches that require a neutral at the switch location. The grounded conductor is the neutral (typically the white wire) connected to the system’s reference point. It’s different from the grounding conductor, which is the safety earth/green or bare wire used only for fault protection. The other options describe hot (ungrounded) or safety-grounding conductors, which are not what this code requirement calls for. That’s why the correct choice is the grounded conductor.