What Is a Bonding Jumper?
A bonding jumper is a conductive connection that joins metal electrical parts so they share a continuous path for fault current. The connection may link enclosures, raceways, service equipment, or other conductive components. This path helps protective devices respond when a fault energizes metal that should remain at the same electrical potential.
Quick Facts About Bonding Jumper
Category
Electrical bonding component
Used for
Connecting conductive metal parts
Common confusion
Often confused with a grounding electrode conductor
Also called
Bonding Wire
Often discussed with
Electrical Code Correction
Key Takeaways About Bonding Jumper
- It connects conductive parts that need electrical continuity.
- Its path supports fault-current return to protective equipment.
- It is not the same as a grounding electrode connection.
How Bonding Jumper Works
A bonding jumper creates a low-impedance electrical connection between metal parts that could otherwise become electrically separated. The jumper may connect a panel enclosure to a metal raceway, bridge a fitting, or join equipment parts across a removable section. Each connection supports continuity through the bonded system.
Related glossary terms: Electrical Grounding, Grounding Electrode, Service Entrance.
During a fault, current can travel through the bonding path toward the source and protective equipment. That path differs from a grounding electrode, which connects electrical equipment to electrodes in the earth. A grounding conductor and a bonding jumper can work within the same electrical system, but each serves a different connection purpose. The correct jumper depends on the equipment design, connection point, and conductor arrangement.
From the GMB Electric team
When we inspect a bonding jumper, we trace both ends and check whether the connection joins the intended metal parts. We also look for loose hardware, paint or corrosion at contact points, and continuity problems created by altered equipment. Our team records the correction needed for Electrical Code Correction work.
Bonding Jumper in Practice: A Real-World Example
A service panel has a metal raceway leading into its enclosure, but the connection does not maintain reliable metal continuity. For an Electrical Code Correction, the electrician installs or repairs a bonding jumper at the connection point and verifies the bonded path.
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Related Terms
Electrical Grounding
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Grounding Electrode
A grounding electrode is a conductive connection between an electrical system and the earth. Common electrodes…
Service Entrance
A service entrance is the point where utility power enters a building and connects to the…
Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is a resettable overcurrent protection device that opens an electrical circuit when current…
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