GROUNDING & BONDING
Grounding:
The process of making an electrical connection to the general mass of the earth. This is most often accomplished with ground rods, ground mats, concrete encased electrodes or some other grounding system. Low resistance grounding is critical to the operation of lightning protection techniques. (Definition: National Electric Code, International Residential Code)
Bonding:
The process of making an electrical connection between the grounding electrode and any equipment, appliance, or metal conductors: pipes, plumbing, flues, etc. Equipment bonding serves to protect people and equipment in the event of an electrical fault.
(Definition: National Electric Code, International Residential Code)
Service entrance and panels:
The inspector shall report as Deficient, deficiencies in bonding and grounding. §535.229(a)(1)(G)(v) and §535.229(b)(1)(E)(iii)
§535.227(5)(A)(iii) Departure – An inspector may depart from the inspection of a component or system required by the standards of practice only if, in the reasonable judgment of the inspector, conditions exist that prevent inspection of an item.
Bonding conductors cannot be observed in finished buildings to determine serviceability, continuity or connecting fittings and clamps. While we may be able to identify missing Grounding and Bonding, we cannot affirm, nor do we warranty, that all pipes, either gas or water, plumbing, flues, metal framing, appliances or similar conductive materials are bonded.