What is an equipment bonding jumper primarily used for?

An equipment bonding jumper is primarily used to ensure proper grounding by creating a low-resistance path for electrical current. This connection helps to prevent voltage differences between conductive surfaces or parts of electrical equipment, which can result in electrical shock hazards. By bonding equipment together, the jumper helps to maintain all parts of an electrical system at the same potential, reducing the risk of accidental energization and ensuring safety for both people and equipment.

While bonding can also support system stability and reliability, the key purpose of the jumper is to facilitate grounding, ensuring that any fault current has a designated path back to the ground, thereby enhancing safety. This is essential for the protection of people and property from electrical faults.