Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is the difference between grounding and bonding?

1. Grounding connects equipment to the power source, bonding connects to ground

2. Grounding prevents electrical shock, bonding prevents static charge buildup

3. Grounding prevents static charge, bonding shields against surges

4. Grounding is a safety measure, bonding is a regulatory requirement

The correct answer is: Grounding prevents electrical shock, bonding prevents static charge buildup

Grounding and bonding are two critical concepts in electrical safety, and option B accurately captures their roles. Grounding refers to the process of connecting electrical systems or equipment to the earth, effectively providing a path for fault currents to safely dissipate. This connection helps protect individuals from electrical shock by ensuring that any fault currents can flow to the ground, significantly reducing the risk of shock. On the other hand, bonding involves connecting two or more conductive objects together to ensure they have the same electrical potential. This helps to prevent static charge buildup and reduces the risk of sparks or discharges that could occur due to differences in potential between objects. By bonding conductive parts, any static electricity that builds up can be safely diverted, minimizing hazards. Understanding these definitions highlights the importance of grounding for safety against shock and bonding for managing static electricity, thereby making this option the most accurate representation of the difference between the two processes.