What does "bonding" involve in electrical terms?

Bonding in electrical terms refers specifically to the process of connecting various metallic parts of an electrical system to ensure they share the same electrical potential. This connection is crucial for safety as it helps to prevent electrical shock and minimizes the risk of arcing. By bonding different components together, any fault current is directed through a safe path, reducing the chance of damage to equipment and ensuring that a proper ground reference is maintained.

Effective bonding can also reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference and improve overall system performance by ensuring a consistent ground reference across interconnected devices. In contrast, insulating connections, grounding systems, and sealing components address different aspects of electrical safety and functionality. Therefore, the focus on connecting metallic parts is what makes this answer the most relevant in the context of bonding.