What component connects the grounding terminal of a receptacle to a grounded box?

The equipment bonding jumper is the component that connects the grounding terminal of a receptacle to a grounded box. This jumper is crucial for ensuring safety by providing a low-resistance path for electrical current to flow in case of a fault. It essentially connects the grounding systems of various devices and equipment, helping to prevent electrical shock and ensuring that any stray voltages are safely directed to ground.

In this context, the equipment bonding jumper maintains the integrity of the grounding system by linking all metallic parts that may carry electricity, thereby reducing the risk of electric shock. This connection allows for the proper functioning of safety devices, such as circuit breakers or ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), ensuring that they can effectively disengage the power in case of a fault.

A grounding plate does not perform this function, as it typically serves to connect various grounding conductors, while a circuit breaker acts as a safety device that interrupts excessive current flow, and the neutral wire is primarily for current return rather than grounding. Thus, the equipment bonding jumper is essential for connecting the receptacle's grounding terminal to the box in a safe and effective manner.