What is bonding and why is it important for static discharge control?

• A. Bonding creates high-resistance connections to prevent shocks.
• B. Bonding isolates all metallic parts to avoid interference.
• C. Bonding is used to connect non-conductive materials.
• D. Bonding creates low-resistance connections between metallic parts to equalize potentials and prevent shock and lightning damage.

Answer: (D)

Bonding is the practice of tying metal parts together with a conductor so they share the same electrical potential. The important part is that this connection is low resistance, which lets any stray static charges move quickly between surfaces. When all metal parts are at the same potential, there’s no big voltage difference to drive a spark if someone touches two pieces or if a surge arrives, so shocks are less likely and equipment is better protected from damage from lightning or transient currents.

This concept focuses on creating a safe, predictable path for charge to flow, not on isolating parts or making connections with high resistance. It’s also about metal components; bonding non-conductive materials isn’t the same and wouldn’t achieve the same equalization of potential.