What is the main goal of equipment bonding in electrical systems?

The main goal of equipment bonding in electrical systems is to ensure that all metal parts carry the same potential. This is critical for safety because bonding creates a low-resistance path for fault currents, preventing any differences in voltage that could lead to electric shock or fire hazards. When all metallic components are connected to a common ground or bonded together, it minimizes the risk of electric shock to individuals who might come in contact with those systems, especially during fault conditions.

By maintaining the same electrical potential across all conductive materials, bonding reduces the likelihood of arcing and helps facilitate the operation of protective devices, such as circuit breakers, ensuring they operate effectively in the event of a fault. This is vital in maintaining system integrity and safety in electrical installations.