What is the difference between grounding and bonding?

What is the difference between grounding and bonding?

• A. Grounding is only for DC; bonding is only for AC.
• B. Grounding provides a path for fault currents only; bonding controls grounding noise.
• C. Grounding and bonding are synonyms.
• D. Grounding provides a reference to earth for the electrical system; bonding ensures metal parts are at the same electrical potential to prevent shock.

Answer: (D)

Grounding and bonding serve different safety roles in electrical systems. Grounding provides a reference to earth for the electrical system, giving a stable voltage reference and a path for fault currents to flow to earth so protective devices can operate properly. Bonding, on the other hand, makes all exposed metal parts—such as equipment enclosures, conduits, and piping—at the same electrical potential. This minimizes touch voltages and reduces the chance of shock or arcing if a fault occurs. In practice, grounding connects the system to the earth (grounding electrode system), while bonding ties metallic parts together so they share the same potential.

Grounding and bonding serve different safety roles in electrical systems. Grounding provides a reference to earth for the electrical system, giving a stable voltage reference and a path for fault currents to flow to earth so protective devices can operate properly. Bonding, on the other hand, makes all exposed metal parts—such as equipment enclosures, conduits, and piping—at the same electrical potential. This minimizes touch voltages and reduces the chance of shock or arcing if a fault occurs. In practice, grounding connects the system to the earth (grounding electrode system), while bonding ties metallic parts together so they share the same potential.