The grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the grounded (neutral) service conductor in the main panel or first service disconnect. It is a non-negotiable requirement for protecting against severe electrical shocks, preventing electrical fires, and safeguarding sensitive electronics from power surges. This position is the connection point of the grounding wire in the. The first introduction to grounding for control panels explains a few of the general conditions for requirements on grounding. First, panels must have a way to ground all metal components that could be contacted by a person (pretty much all of them). The specific neutral grounding method chosen by the utility can have significant impacts on reliability of service, safety, protection coordination, power.