The NEC requires bonding of switchboards and panelboards used as service equipment.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not mentioned
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

Bonding the metal enclosure of service equipment is required to keep all non-current-carrying parts at the same earth reference and provide a low-impedance path for fault currents so the overcurrent device clears quickly. The NEC requires switchboards and panelboards that serve as service equipment to be bonded to the grounding electrode system through the equipment grounding conductor. This bonding helps prevent shock hazards and ensures a reliable fault path. The neutral-to-ground bond is made at the service disconnect, not in downstream panels, but that does not negate the requirement to bond the service equipment enclosure itself. So the statement is true.