What does bonding refer to in grounding practices?

In grounding practices, bonding refers to the connection of various conductive parts to establish electrical continuity and conductivity. This is crucial because bonding ensures that all components of an electrical system are at the same potential, which minimizes the risk of electric shock and allows for the effective operation of overcurrent protective devices. By achieving electrical continuity, bonding helps to create a safe path for fault currents to flow, ultimately improving overall electrical system safety and reliability. Proper bonding is an essential aspect of grounding because it prevents dangerous voltage differences from developing between conductive surfaces, which could present hazards to people and equipment.