Why is it essential to bond metal parts of the electrical system?

Bonding metal parts of an electrical system is crucial primarily for safety reasons. When different metal components are bonded together, it ensures that they are at the same electrical potential. This helps to prevent any surprising voltage differences that could lead to electrical shock hazards. If a person were to touch a bonded metal part that had a potential difference, it could create a path for electrical current to flow through the body, resulting in a shock.

Additionally, bonding reduces the possibility of electrical fires caused by arcing or overheating of loose connections, as it minimizes resistance at the junction points between different metals. In the event of a fault or short circuit, proper bonding allows for the safe dissipation of fault currents, enabling circuit protection devices such as fuses and circuit breakers to operate effectively. Therefore, it is essential for maintaining both safety and the reliability of electrical systems in residential settings.