Which conductor is used to bond metal parts of signs together and to the branch circuit equipment grounding conductor?

• A. Neutral conductor
• B. Grounding electrode conductor
• C. Bonding conductor
• D. Service conductor

Answer: (C)

Bonding conductors are used to create a single electrical potential among metal components that could become energized and to tie those parts to the branch circuit’s equipment grounding conductor. In signs, metal parts such as the sign frame and mounting hardware are bonded together and connected to the equipment grounding conductor so that, if a fault energizes any part, current can quickly return to the source and trip the breaker. This keeps all metal parts at the same potential and minimizes shock risk.

The neutral carries current during normal operation and isn’t used to bond metal parts of signs to the grounding system. The grounding electrode conductor connects the system to earth, providing grounding but not the continuous bonding path for metal parts and equipment grounding conductors.