Question

what is the purpose of grounding and bonding in hydro codes and standards.

Answer 1

Grounding is connecting the electrical system or equipment to the earth ( ground ) or a conductive object that extends connection to the earth. Bonding is joining things together with a conductive path to establish electrical continuity genert to ensure continuous flow of current. Both are foundational safety concepts in the electrical standards and codes. ​​​​​​The purpose of grounding and bonding is the safeguarding peoples and property from hazards arising from the use of current and electricity. Improper grounding and bonding can lead to leakage of current and can have fatal effect on livestock. Also, it may cause serious electrical and power losses. So , grounding and bonding are foundation of electrical installations.

Grounding acts as volatage stabilizer in fault conditions. It's provides path to the flow of current in prefault and fault conditions safeguarding from Improper path of current leading to damage of life and property. It also acts as surge protector. When high voltage transienta are introduced in the power system , grouding bypasses the excess of currents to earth causing stability to the system.

In same way , bonding reduces the risk of electric shocks to anyone who may touch two separate metal parts when there is a fault in the electrical installation. By connecting bonding conductors between particular parts, it reduces the voltage there might have been. It neutralizes the potential difference that might cause a current. So, bonding electrical conducting parts are eliminated. Sometimes static electrical charge is caused by the forced separation of molecules of non conducting materials, motion of the material or friction against the material which cause charging affect and creates a potential. When this potential and a other potential gets a path ( potential difference ) , a current develops that can damage the path. This path may be a person or an animal too. So, bonding maintains same potential safeguarding from such electrical hazards.