What is the primary purpose of grounding and bonding in electrical systems?

The primary purpose of grounding and bonding in electrical systems is to reduce potential differences between conductive parts and the earth. This is crucial for safety, as grounding provides a path for electrical current to safely dissipate into the earth in case of a fault, such as a short circuit, which helps prevent electric shock hazards. By ensuring that all exposed non-current-carrying conductive parts are at the same electrical potential as the earth, grounding minimizes the risk of dangerous voltage levels that might arise due to insulation failures or other malfunctions.

Furthermore, bonding ensures that different conductive parts of the electrical system are electrically connected, which eliminates differences in potential that can lead to hazardous situations. This protective measure, therefore, plays an essential role in maintaining safety and reliability in electrical systems.