What is the primary purpose of bonding metal equipment enclosures, metal raceways, and the grounded power supply together?

The primary purpose of bonding metal equipment enclosures, metal raceways, and the grounded power supply together is to keep all metal parts at the same voltage. This is crucial because it reduces the risk of electrical shock to individuals who may come in contact with these metal parts. When metal enclosures and raceways are bonded, any electrical fault that may occur can facilitate the flow of fault current effectively back to the ground, allowing overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) to operate correctly and quickly to disconnect the circuit.

While the quick operation of OCPDs is important, it is a part of the overall function of bonding rather than the primary purpose of the process itself. Bonding primarily focuses on ensuring safety by maintaining a consistent voltage level across connected metallic surfaces, thus minimizing the chances of a dangerous voltage differential that could lead to severe injury or equipment damage. The other choices may relate to aspects of electrical safety, but the essence of bonding is rooted in equalizing voltage potential to safeguard against shock hazards.