What is a bonding jumper, and when is it used?

Prepare for the Electrical Code 3 Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready and pass your exam!

Bonding jumpers are conductors that create a bond between metal parts and the grounding system so they all stay at the same electrical potential. This keeps exposed metal surfaces at a common voltage, which helps prevent shock if a fault energizes any part and ensures fault currents have a path back to the source to trip a protective device.

They are used to bond various metallic components in a building—enclosures, service equipment, raceways, and piping (such as metal water or gas pipes), as well as structural steel or other metal parts near the electrical system. The key purpose is equipotential bonding: all connected parts share the same potential so a fault won’t leave some surfaces dangerously energized.

It’s important to note that a bonding jumper does not interrupt the grounding path. Its job is to maintain a continuous, low-impedance bond so fault currents can flow effectively and safety is preserved.