What is the difference between a bonding jumper and a grounding electrode conductor?

• A. A bonding jumper carries current during normal operation, while the grounding electrode conductor connects the system to earth.
• B. A bonding jumper connects metal parts to maintain equipotential, while the grounding electrode conductor connects the system to the earth.
• C. A bonding jumper is used only for plumbing, while the grounding electrode conductor is used for lighting circuits.
• D. A bonding jumper connects to the service disconnect, while the grounding electrode conductor connects to a breaker.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is understanding the different roles of bonding and grounding in an electrical system. A bonding jumper is used to connect metal parts so they all stay at the same electrical potential, preventing dangerous voltage differences between metallic components and helping ensure a safe path for fault currents. It typically does not carry normal operating current; its purpose is equipotential bonding among conductors, enclosures, pipes, and other metal parts.

The grounding electrode conductor, by contrast, ties the electrical system to the earth through a grounding electrode like a ground rod. This provides a reference point for the system voltage and gives fault currents a path to earth so the overcurrent protective devices can trip and the system is stabilized during faults.

The other statements mix up these roles or reference unrelated concepts (such as plumbing or connections to breakers in a way that doesn’t reflect their actual functions).