In ungrounded systems, what is the main goal of bonding electrical equipment?

In ungrounded systems, bonding electrical equipment primarily aims to establish a low-impedance path for ground-fault current. This is crucial because, in ungrounded systems, there is no direct path to ground, and any fault situation can lead to voltage levels that may pose a danger to equipment and personnel.

By providing a low-impedance path through bonding, the system can quickly and safely redirect fault currents. This reduces the potential for dangerous voltage levels that could develop on ungrounded equipment during a fault condition. Proper bonding ensures that fault currents are effectively managed, allowing for the reliable operation of protective devices, such as circuit breakers or fuses, which will interrupt the circuit to prevent damage or hazards.

Understanding this allows for safer operation of electrical systems in environments where grounding may not be directly established, by enabling a pathway for fault currents to safely dissipate. This enhances safety and system integrity in various applications, such as certain industrial setups or facilities where complete grounding may not be feasible or practical.