What is the main purpose of bonding in electrical systems?

The main purpose of bonding in electrical systems is to connect conductive objects to the earth. This process ensures that all metallic parts that could become energized due to a fault condition are connected so that if a fault occurs, the electrical current has a safe path to ground. This pathway helps prevent dangerous voltage differences that could lead to electric shock or fire hazards. By bonding conductive components, any potential electrical charge can be safely dissipated into the ground, creating a lower risk for accidental electrocution and improving overall safety in an electrical installation.

In contrast, increasing electrical resistance, reducing electrical load, or isolating systems from each other does not involve the fundamental protective mechanism that bonding provides to ensure safe operation of electrical systems. These options pertain to different electrical principles and serve different purposes that do not directly relate to the safety benefits garnered through proper bonding practices.