In which type of panel is the practice of bonding neutrals and grounds permitted?

Bonding neutrals and grounds is an integral part of electrical safety and system functionality. In a service panel, which is the main distribution point for electrical circuits in a building, it is permitted to bond the neutral and ground conductors. This is because the service panel is where the electrical supply enters the structure, and establishing a common ground helps ensure that any potential faults can safely be directed away from the system.

In the service panel, bonding helps to prevent shock hazards and ensures reliable operation of protective devices, like circuit breakers. The grounding system in this context provides a pathway for fault current to safely return to the ground, facilitating the operation of the overcurrent protection devices. This bonding is crucial for safety, allowing for the neutral to carry unbalanced current and the ground to serve as a protective measure against electrical faults.

In contrast, in subpanels, neutrals and grounds must be kept separate to avoid creating parallel paths for neutral current, which can lead to shock hazards. This separation helps maintain the effectiveness of the grounding system and prevents issues such as electromagnetic interference. The same principles apply to load panels and distribution panels, where the neutral-to-ground bond is typically not permitted to ensure safe operation. Thus, the service panel is the designated location for bonding