Which statement regarding grounded conductors at switch locations is true?

The correct response aligns with established electrical codes and practices. In the context of switch locations, the requirement for a grounded conductor can vary depending on the specific application of the switch. For instance, when a switch controls a receptacle load, a grounded conductor is not necessarily required at the switch location, as the grounding can be carried back to the receptacle outlet itself where grounding is typically mandated.

In installations where a switch does not directly control a load that presents a shock hazard—such as lighting circuits—it may be permissible to skip the installation of a grounded conductor at that switch location, provided that there are other adequate grounding provisions in place, such as at the receptacle itself. This reflects the principle that grounding is a safety measure intended to prevent shock hazards, and if the switch does not influence a receptacle load directly, the specific grounding requirements may not apply.

Understanding this principle can help avoid unnecessary installations, while ensuring that safety standards are maintained according to the relevant electrical codes. The other statements, while they may contain elements of truth, do not accurately reflect the specific regulatory requirements related to grounded conductors in switch locations for controlling receptacle loads.