Is information technology equipment required to be grounded by connection to an equipment grounding conductor?

Grounding information technology equipment is essential for safety and performance reasons, and it is indeed required to be connected to an equipment grounding conductor. This connection ensures that any stray electrical currents are directed safely to the ground, reducing the risk of electrical shock and equipment damage. Proper grounding helps maintain equipment integrity by minimizing the effects of electrical noise and interference, which can impact performance and lead to data loss or corruption.

In addition, grounding creates a path for fault currents, which is crucial during a fault condition. It helps to trip circuit breakers or fuses, disconnecting power and preventing potential hazards like fire or equipment failure. The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies that certain types of electrical equipment, including IT equipment, must be grounded to ensure safety and compliance in installations.

Thus, the requirement for grounding IT equipment by connection to an equipment grounding conductor is a fundamental safety practice.