What is the purpose of a bonding jumper in electrical systems?

A bonding jumper serves a critical role in electrical systems by providing an effective grounding connection. Its primary purpose is to connect different parts of an electrical system to ensure that all conductive elements are at the same electrical potential. This minimizes the risk of electric shock and helps in the proper operation of protective devices by ensuring that any fault currents can safely return to ground.

When a bonding jumper is correctly installed, it helps to create a low impedance path for fault currents. This not only enhances safety but also improves the overall reliability of the electrical system. By ensuring that metal parts that may become energized are bonded to the grounding system, the bonding jumper helps prevent dangerous voltage levels from appearing on surfaces that might be touched.

In contrast to the other options, which do not capture the primary function of a bonding jumper, the purpose articulated here directly aligns with the foundational principles of electrical safety and system integrity. The bonding jumper does not disconnect power, increase voltage, or directly extend the life of components, but instead plays a vital role in grounding practices necessary for safe electrical installation and operation.