True or False: The grounded wire is responsible for returning current in a circuit.

The statement is false. The grounded wire does not actively return current in a circuit; instead, it serves primarily as a safety feature to protect people and equipment from electrical faults. In a properly functioning electrical circuit, current flows through the live (or hot) wire to the load and then returns via the neutral wire.

The purpose of the grounded wire is not to complete the circuit but to provide a path for fault currents to dissipate safely to the earth in the event of a malfunction, thus preventing electric shock or fire hazards. Grounding helps in stabilizing voltage levels and minimizing electrical noise, but it is not part of the current-carrying path under normal operation.

This understanding is essential for identifying safe wiring practices and ensuring compliance with electrical codes. The misconception that the grounded wire returns current highlights the need to clarify the roles of each wire in electrical systems, particularly during training for certifications like the NETA Level 1.