What is the main purpose of bonding electrical equipment enclosures?

The main purpose of bonding electrical equipment enclosures is to ensure safety and reliability in electrical systems. Bonding connects conductive parts of the system, such as equipment enclosures, to create a low-resistance path for fault currents. This effectively facilitates the operation of overcurrent protective devices by allowing them to detect faults more quickly and operate correctly. When a fault occurs, the bonded equipment can safely direct fault current away, triggering the protective devices to disconnect the power and reduce the risk of shock or fire.

Additionally, bonding helps limit the voltage to ground during normal operation and fault conditions. By providing a common reference point for the electrical system, bonding minimizes the potential difference that can develop between different conductive parts. This controls the risk of electrical shock and enhances the overall safety of the electrical installation.

Thus, bonding serves both purposes of facilitating the operation of overcurrent protective devices and limiting voltage to ground, making the combined option the most comprehensive and accurate answer.