Why is bonding important in electrical safety?

• A. It reduces resistance in the circuit.
• B. Bonding increases current capacity.
• C. Bonding eliminates all faults.
• D. Bonding equalizes potential between conductive parts to reduce the risk of shock and minimize step or touch potentials.

Answer: (D)

Bonding keeps exposed conductive parts at the same electrical potential by tying them together with conductors. When a fault causes a live conductor to energize a metal enclosure, bonded parts rise to nearly the same voltage, so the voltage difference a person could touch is very small. This equalization directly lowers the risk of electric shock and, importantly, reduces step and touch potentials someone might encounter if they’re standing on the ground near energized equipment. Bonding doesn’t change circuit resistance or increase current capacity, and it doesn’t eliminate faults, but it provides a safety path that limits dangerous voltage differences during faults and works alongside grounding to protect people.