What is an equipment bonding jumper?

An equipment bonding jumper is a critical component in grounding and bonding systems, specifically designed to ensure that all exposed conductive parts of equipment are properly interconnected to provide a low-resistance path for fault currents. The bonding jumper serves to connect two or more portions of the equipment grounding conductor, effectively creating an electrical bond that helps to minimize the risk of electric shock and ensures the safe operation of electrical systems.

By establishing this connection, any potential difference between conductive parts is eliminated, allowing fault currents to flow safely to the ground. This helps protect both people and equipment by facilitating the operation of overcurrent protection devices, which can disconnect power in the event of a fault. Understanding the role of the equipment bonding jumper is essential for maintaining electrical safety and ensuring compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.