What is the primary purpose of bonding in a lightning protection system?

The primary purpose of bonding in a lightning protection system is to reduce potential differences created by lightning currents. When a lightning strike occurs, it generates a massive flow of electrical energy, which can create significant voltage differences between various conductive parts of a structure. These differences can lead to dangerous side flashes or electrical arcing that can cause damage or injury.

Bonding connects different conductive parts of a structure together so that they all share a common electrical potential. By ensuring that these elements are at the same potential, bonding minimizes the likelihood of dangerous voltage differences forming during a lightning event. This is crucial in protecting both the structure and its occupants from the destructive effects of lightning.

While factors like structural stability and design aesthetics are important in construction and engineering, they are not the primary focus of bonding in the context of lightning protection systems. Additionally, providing additional lightning strikes is not a relevant purpose of bonding; instead, the goal is to manage the effects of the lightning that may occur.