What is the primary purpose of bonding in electrical systems?

The primary purpose of bonding in electrical systems is to ensure continuity of the fault current path. Bonding involves connecting various conductive parts of an electrical system, allowing any fault current to flow back to its source safely. This is essential for the safe operation of the electrical system, as it helps to clear faults quickly by enabling overcurrent protective devices, such as circuit breakers, to operate effectively. By creating a low-resistance path for fault currents, bonding minimizes the risk of electric shock to individuals and reduces the potential for equipment damage caused by stray currents.

In contrast to bonding, reducing electrical resistance does not directly relate to the purpose of bonding; instead, it is more about improving circuit efficiency. Providing backup power pertains to ensuring that an electrical system remains operational during outages, which is not the focus of bonding. Regulating voltage levels is a different aspect of electrical systems that deals with maintaining stable voltage to protect equipment, rather than establishing fault paths.