How should the earth ground from the main fuse or breaker panel be connected?

The proper connection for the earth ground from the main fuse or breaker panel is to connect it from the grounding bus bar to a ground rod or metal water pipe. This method ensures effective grounding, which is crucial for safety and electrical system stability.

A ground rod provides a direct physical connection to the earth, allowing any stray electrical currents or fault conditions to safely dissipate into the ground, reducing the risk of electric shock, fire hazards, and equipment damage. The use of a metal water pipe as a grounding electrode is also an accepted practice because it is typically in direct contact with the earth over a large area, enhancing the grounding effectiveness.

Grounding to the electrical meter, as suggested in one of the options, is not sufficient because it does not provide a direct path to the earth. Connecting to a light fixture or a wooden pole does not meet grounding standards and could create unsafe conditions, as neither option establishes a reliable electrical connection with the ground. Therefore, the correct approach involves connecting to a grounding bus bar leading directly to a proper grounding electrode system, such as a ground rod or metal water pipe.