What is the purpose of minimizing the length of bonding jumpers?

The purpose of minimizing the length of bonding jumpers is primarily to minimize impedance within the system. Shorter bonding jumpers create a more direct path for fault current, thereby reducing the resistance and inductance of the connection. This is crucial for ensuring that, in the event of a fault, the current can flow effectively to ground without significant delays or losses.

Lower impedance also contributes to more efficient ground fault protection, which is essential for system safety. A high impedance in bonding connections can result in inadequate operation of protective devices, leading to potential hazards. Therefore, optimizing the length of bonding jumpers enhances the overall effectiveness of the grounding system, ensuring it performs its essential protective functions reliably.

While reducing costs and complying with regulations might be beneficial outcomes, the primary technical reason here is to ensure the system operates safely and effectively with minimized impedance.