Why should bonding conductors be in direct contact with equipment?

The requirement for bonding conductors to be in direct contact with equipment is primarily to ensure proper conductivity and safety. This direct contact establishes a low-resistance path for electrical faults and helps to maintain a safe electrical environment. In the event of a fault condition, such as a short circuit, the bonding effectively directs fault currents to the ground, minimizing the risk of electric shock or fire.

Properly bonded equipment is also essential for the operation of overcurrent protective devices, which need to detect faults accurately and operate without delay. Any additional resistance introduced by inadequate contact could prevent these devices from functioning correctly, leading to potential hazardous situations. Thus, ensuring that bonding conductors are in direct contact with equipment is critical for electrical safety standards and operational integrity.