Which statement best describes grounding and bonding in LV systems?

• A. Bonding and grounding are the same; both connect to earth.
• B. Bonding is only for AC circuits; grounding only for DC.
• C. Bonding connects metallic parts to minimize potential differences; grounding provides a reference to earth and a path for fault currents.
• D. Bonding increases voltage; grounding decreases current.

Answer: (C)

In LV systems, two safety roles operate together: bonding and grounding. Bonding makes exposed metal parts and conductive components share the same electrical potential, so there’s little or no voltage difference between them if something goes wrong. This keeps touch voltages low and reduces the risk of shock when a person could touch more than one metal part. Grounding, or earthing, provides a solid reference to the earth and creates a low-impedance path for fault currents to return to the source. That path allows protective devices to sense the fault and trip quickly, while also helping keep the system voltage stable relative to earth. The two work together but serve different purposes: bonding equalizes potentials within the installation, while grounding establishes a reference to earth and a current path for faults.