A conductor used to connect the external surfaces of conduits, raceways, and equipment enclosures to ground. With all external surfaces connected together, there can be no voltage difference between different pieces of equipment and therefore no possibility of shock or electrocution of people working around the equipment. The EGC is connected to the ground rod at the main entrance (main panel) or secondary of a separately derived system, and nowhere else. In a Wye connected system it is also connected at the main entrance to the neutral conductor. (see: NFPA 70 (The National Electrical Code) 1999, Article 250 – Grounding; Wye Connection; Ground, Ground Rod; Grounded Neutral, Grounding Electrode Conductor, Main Entrance or Service)