Grounding and bonding are two critical concepts in the electrical field that often need clarification. While they are similar in some aspects, they have distinct purposes and requirements that electricians must know.
Grounding connects an electrical circuit to the earth's surface or a conductive body. The purpose of grounding is to protect people and equipment from electric shock and to stabilize voltage levels in the electrical system.
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In other words, grounding provides a safe path for electrical currents to flow into the ground rather than through people or equipment.
Bonding connects two or more conductive objects to ensure they have the same electrical potential. The purpose of bonding is to prevent electric shock and reduce the fire risk caused by electrical sparks. Bonding is typically required when conductive objects, such as metal pipes or equipment, are close to each other.
While grounding and bonding involve connecting conductive objects, they serve different purposes and requirements. Grounding is typically achieved by connecting a circuit to a grounding electrode, such as a copper rod driven into the ground. Bonding is achieved by connecting conductive objects using a bonding conductor like a copper wire.
Grounding protects people and equipment from electric shock, while bonding ensures that conductive objects have the same electrical potential. Understanding the differences between grounding and bonding is crucial for electricians to ensure the safety and functionality of electrical systems.
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