What are electrical grounding and bonding?

Grounding connects selected parts of an electrical system to earth or a grounding reference, while bonding connects conductive parts so they remain at a similar potential and provide a reliable path for fault current. A project design considers the service arrangement, source, grounding electrode conditions, equipment, raceways, structural metal, separately derived systems, communications interfaces, and local utility requirements. The electrical engineer documents the system concept and coordinates it with equipment and architectural details; electricians install it according to the approved documents and applicable installation rules. The AHJ and serving utility control their acceptance criteria, so a generic diagram cannot determine a project-specific solution.

The correct application of electrical grounding and bonding starts with the actual project, not a generic promise. Confirm the jurisdiction, adopted code, design scope, existing conditions, required deliverables, and professional responsibility before relying on a conclusion. A responsible engineer documents assumptions and identifies information that still needs verification.

Project type, occupancy, existing construction, site conditions, code edition, agency requirements, and changes made after the original design can change the work. A concise answer is useful for orientation, but the signed or sealed project record must reflect the current scope and the authority's process.

• Confirm the authority having jurisdiction and current checklist
• Use current drawings, calculations, field evidence, and equipment information
• Separate engineering decisions from owner, architect, contractor, utility, and agency decisions
• Record assumptions, limitations, and questions requiring direct AHJ confirmation