Grounding and bonding work together to create a clear, safe path for fault currents. Bonding connections ensure that even under fault conditions, parts of the system are held to the same voltage potential, while grounding provides the ultimate path to dissipate fault energy into the earth.

Bonding creates a continuous, low$-$resistance path back to the power source. If a fault occurs, bonding allows the fault current to travel back to the source, causing protective devices $($like circuit breakers or fuses$)$ to activate quickly and cut off the faulty circuit.

NEC Article $250$ details bonding requirements, including where and how to bond different types of systems to maintain safety.