What does it mean to bond electrical systems?

Bonding electrical systems refers to the process of connecting conductive parts together in such a way that they maintain an equal electrical potential. This practice is essential for enhancing safety by ensuring that there are no significant differences in voltage between different conductive parts, which could lead to electrical shock or other hazards. By bonding, any fault current that may occur has a clear, low-impedance path back to the source, which helps protect people and equipment.

In contrast, insulating wires from each other (the second option) involves preventing the flow of electrical current between different conductors. This is necessary for circuit integrity and preventing short circuits but is not the same as bonding. The third option, separating circuits for safety, pertains more to organizational methods in electrical installations rather than bonding practices. Lastly, increasing current flow (the fourth option) does not directly relate to bonding; rather, it pertains to the design and operation of circuits and their load capacities. Therefore, the concept of bonding is fundamentally about safety and equal potential in electrical systems.