What does the term "bonding" refer to in electrical installations?

The term "bonding" in electrical installations specifically refers to the practice of connecting all non-current-carrying metal parts to ensure safety. This is a critical safety measure aimed at preventing electrical shock hazards. By connecting all exposed conductive parts together, any fault current can be safely directed, minimizing the risk of electrocution or fire due to stray voltages. Bonding helps to create a low-resistance path for fault currents, facilitating proper operation of protective devices like circuit breakers and fuses, enhancing overall system safety.