Why are bonding conductors tested for continuity, and what would indicate a fault?

• A. To prevent interference; any reading indicates fault
• B. To ensure continuous path to earth; high resistance or open circuit indicates fault
• C. To prevent corrosion; low resistance indicates fault
• D. To test insulation; insulation resistance indicates fault

Answer: (B)

Bonding conductors are there to tie exposed conductive parts to the earth so they all stay at the same potential and any fault current has a clear, low-impedance path to trip protective devices quickly. The test for continuity checks that this path is continuous and low resistance. When the bonding path is intact, you’ll see a very low resistance, meaning fault current can flow easily to earth and the circuit can trip if something faulting occurs. If the path is broken or has high resistance, fault current won’t flow effectively, leaving parts at dangerous voltages and protective devices may not operate promptly. So a near-zero resistance indicates good continuity, while an open circuit or high resistance indicates a fault.