What aspect of electrical safety does bonding primarily address?

Bonding primarily addresses the equalization of electrical potential between conductive parts. This is crucial for safety because when different conductive surfaces have varying electrical potentials, it creates a risk of electric shock if a person comes into contact with these surfaces. By bonding these parts together, it ensures that they exist at the same electrical potential, thereby reducing the risk of current flowing through a person or equipment if a fault occurs. This provides a safer environment for individuals working with or around electrical systems.

In addition to this, bonding plays a key role in system performance by providing a low-resistance pathway for fault currents, which aids in fault detection and ensures that overcurrent protection devices can operate effectively. This fundamental safety principle is foundational in electrical installations, reinforcing the importance of proper bonding practices to minimize risks associated with electrical shock and fires.