Where should the alarm panel be grounded?

• A. To the metal alarm box
• B. To the building water pipe
• C. To the service panel
• D. To the ground rod outside

Answer: (A)

Grounding the alarm panel keeps the metal enclosure at earth potential and provides a safe, low-impedance path for any fault currents or stray voltages. The correct grounding point is the metal alarm box itself because it is the bonded chassis of the installation and can be tied directly to the equipment grounding conductor that runs with the building’s electrical system. This bond ensures the entire panel and its wiring share a common ground reference, reducing shock hazards and preventing false readings or tampering currents.

Grounding to a water pipe or an outside ground rod can be unreliable or ineffective for fault currents, and tying directly to the service panel is not typically the intended bonding point for the panel’s chassis. By using a grounding screw or lug on the metal box, you establish a solid, code-compliant connection to the building’s grounding system through the appropriate grounding conductor back to the service equipment.