Bonding & Grounding
Guaranteeing the safety of electrical systems and avoiding electric hazards requires the observance of two crucial steps: bonding and grounding. Bonding, in simple terms, is the joining together of any and all metal parts that might be in contact with electrical power or electrical equipment. This equally distributes any voltage potential that might have been present between metal parts and reduces the risk of electric shock between two metal parts.
Conversely, another option for dealing with electrical problems is grounding. With this technique, a direct path is established by connecting a physical wire to the earth itself. As long as the wire is in contact with the earth-whether on the surface or even after sinking it into the earth-when a fault happens in the electrical system, the current that would otherwise flow through something else (you!) to get to the earth takes the safer path and returns through the wire into the earth.
It is of the utmost importance in industrial and commercial environments that electrical systems are properly bonded and grounded. This is for the following reasons: first and foremost, safety. Proper bonding and grounding ensure that the systems can safely conduct currents of any amount; secondly, productive performance. When electrical systems are grounded and bonded, they can efficiently and reliably deliver power within required volts or amperes.
More Information about Grounding and Bonding
For grounded systems, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires you to perform all of the following: electrical system grounding, electrical equipment grounding, electrical equipment bonding, and bonding of electrically conductive materials.
FAQs
In grounding and bonding connections, do two metals need to be electrically connected and have the same electrical potential to achieve electrical continuity?
Yes, in grounding and bonding connections, two metals need to be electrically connected and have the same electrical potential to achieve electrical continuity and ensure safety.
What is a good equipment grounding conductor to prevent ground fault and static electricity incidents?
A good equipment grounding conductor is typically a copper wire, due to its excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, ensuring reliable prevention of ground faults and static electricity incidents.
Grounding vs. Bonding
Bonding
Bonding is simply the act of joining two or more electrical conductors together. The bonding must be done to the areas of equipment that are not intended to carry any current during normal operation. Bonding itself does not protect anything. However, if one of those pieces of equipment is earthed, there can be no electrical energy build-up.
Grounding
Grounding is connecting the live part (meaning the part which carries current under normal condition) to the earth. This is normally done for the protection of power system equipment and to provide an effective return path from the machine to the power source.