What connects the equipment grounding conductors to the grounding terminal of a receptacle?

The equipment grounding conductors are connected to the grounding terminal of a receptacle through an equipment bonding jumper. This jumper is a crucial part of the electrical system, as it ensures that all metal parts of the equipment are electrically connected to the ground. This connection serves multiple purposes, including safety by preventing electric shock and ensuring proper fault current paths, thereby facilitating the operation of overcurrent protective devices.

In contrast to the equipment bonding jumper, the grounding wire typically refers to the general wire that connects the electrical system to the ground but may not specifically denote the connection to the receptacle. The return path conductor generally refers to the neutral conductor, which carries current back to the source under normal conditions and isn't responsible for grounding. Additionally, the neutral conductor should not serve as a grounding path, as this can create hazardous conditions. Thus, the equipment bonding jumper is the specific conductor that bridges the gap between equipment grounding conductors and the grounding terminal, ensuring electrical safety and code compliance in the installation.