If a separate equipment grounding conductor is added, what is its role in relation to the raceway system?

The role of a separate equipment grounding conductor in relation to the raceway system is primarily to ensure electrical continuity. This conductor is essential for connecting the non-current carrying metal parts of electrical equipment to the ground, thus providing a low-resistance path for fault current to flow safely to the ground. This pathway helps to prevent electric shock hazards and protects equipment from damage due to ground faults or short circuits.

In this context, having a separate grounding conductor enhances safety and system reliability by ensuring that any stray electrical currents have a safe path to ground, reducing the risk of shock or fire. While redundancy might sound beneficial, the grounding conductor's main purpose is not to create a redundant system but to provide a definite means of grounding.

Thus, the grounding conductor specifically helps to ensure that the grounding systems are effective and reliable, reinforcing electrical continuity in case of faults.