Bonding

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

1. Limit the hazard to personnel (shock voltage) from the noncurrent-carrying metal parts of

equipment raceways and other conductor enclosures in case of ground faults, and

2. Safely conduct ground-fault current at sufficient magnitude for fast operation of the circuit

overcurrent protection devices.

To ensure the performance of the above functions, equipment grounding conductors are

required to:

Be permanent and continuous

Have ample capacity to safely conduct ground-fault current likely to be imposed on them;

and

Have impedance sufficiently low to limit the voltage to ground to a safe magnitude and to

facilitate the operation of the circuit overcurrent protection devices.

4.4

BONDING

Caution shall be taken to ensure that the main bonding jumper and equipment bonding jumper are

sized and selected correctly. Bonding completes the grounding circuit so that it is continuous. If a

ground fault occurs, the fault current will flow and open the overcurrent protection devices. The

means of bonding shall provide the following to ensure the grounding system is intact:

Provide a permanent connection,

Provide a positive continuity at all times, and

Provide ampacity to conduct fault current.

See Figure 4-1 on the proper grounding of electrical systems.

4-2