Equipotentialbindung

Equipotentialbindung, often translated as equipotential bonding or equipotential connection, is an electrical safety measure designed to ensure that all conductive parts within a specified area are at the same electrical potential. This is achieved by electrically connecting these conductive parts together using conductors. The primary goal of equipotential bonding is to prevent dangerous voltage differences from developing between objects that a person might touch simultaneously, especially during fault conditions within an electrical system.

In a properly bonded system, if a fault occurs, such as a live wire touching a metal casing, the fault current will flow through the bonding conductors to the earth. Because all accessible conductive surfaces are at the same potential, a person touching these surfaces would not experience a significant voltage difference across their body. This significantly reduces the risk of electric shock.

Equipotential bonding is a critical component of electrical installations in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial environments. It is particularly important in areas where the risk of electric shock is higher, such as in bathrooms, kitchens, and areas containing medical electrical equipment. The effectiveness of equipotential bonding relies on the correct installation and maintenance of the bonding conductors, ensuring they are of adequate size and properly connected to all relevant conductive parts.