What term describes a piece of equipment that is connected to the earth?

The term that describes a piece of equipment that is connected to the earth is "grounded." Grounding provides a direct electrical connection to the earth, which helps ensure safety by providing a safe pathway for fault currents to dissipate. This connection minimizes the risk of electrical shock to users, protects equipment from damage due to overvoltages (like lightning strikes), and helps maintain the stability of the electrical system.

In contrast to grounding, "bonding" refers to the electrical connection between two or more conductive parts to establish a common potential. "Isolated" typically means that an object is detached from its surroundings, while "neutralized" commonly refers to balancing or offsetting an electrical charge, which does not apply to the concept of connecting equipment to the earth. Understanding the distinction between these terms is essential in electrical work to ensure safety and proper functioning of electrical systems.