Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

What is the purpose of bonding jumpers as outlined in the NEC?

1. To connect circuits in series

2. To provide a path for fault current

3. To reduce voltage drop

4. To prevent overcurrent

The correct answer is: To provide a path for fault current

The purpose of bonding jumpers, as outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC), is to provide a path for fault current. This is crucial for the safety of electrical systems because bonding ensures that in the event of a fault, such as a short circuit, the fault current will have a low-resistance path to follow. This helps in quickly tripping protective devices like circuit breakers or fuses, minimizing the risk of electrical shock, fire hazards, or damage to equipment. By ensuring that all conductive parts of an electrical installation are effectively bonded together, bonding jumpers help maintain a uniform potential among these parts. This uniformity is vital for the overall safety and performance of the electrical system. It prevents dangerous differences in voltage that could occur due to insulation failure or other faults, thus protecting both equipment and personnel. The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of bonding jumpers. While they play an important role in the safety and integrity of electrical systems, the core purpose remains focused on providing a dedicated path for fault current.