What is the primary purpose of bonding in electrical systems?

The primary purpose of bonding in electrical systems is to ensure electrical continuity. This process helps create a low-resistance pathway to ground, which facilitates the safe and effective dissipation of fault currents. By connecting various conductive parts together, bonding eliminates the potential for voltage differences between them, which can be hazardous.

In practical terms, if a fault were to occur—such as a short circuit—bonding ensures that electrical fault currents have a direct route to the earth or ground. This minimizes the risk of electric shock and reduces the potential for fire hazards, as it allows overcurrent devices (like circuit breakers) to react and interrupt the electrical flow more effectively.

While enhancing aesthetic appeal might be a consideration in some installation designs, it is not a primary function of bonding. Similarly, bonding does not serve to increase voltage levels or protect against electromagnetic interference; rather, it focuses specifically on safety and stability within the electrical system.