To prevent heating surrounding ferrous metal in raceways, which type of conductor should be grouped together?

The correct response to the question emphasizes the significance of grouping conductors in a way that minimizes heating effects on surrounding ferrous metal within raceways. When phase conductors, grounded conductors, and equipment grounding conductors are all grouped together, they can help mitigate stray magnetic fields that can cause heating due to induced currents.

In many cases, when these types of conductors are run in close proximity, it allows the magnetic fields generated by the current in one conductor to effectively cancel out the fields produced by others. This phenomenon helps in reducing the overall temperature around ferrous materials, which is critical to preventing potential damage or degradation to the raceway and the conductors themselves.

Additionally, ensuring that grounding methods are properly implemented enhances the safety of the electrical installation, as it provides a path for fault currents, further reducing risks associated with overheating and potential hazards. This method of conductor grouping is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of electrical systems, particularly in environments where thermal management is a key concern.