What type of bonding is required for metallic water piping?

Bonding metallic water piping to the electrical system's grounding system is essential for safety. This requirement is in place to ensure that in the event of a fault, such as a short circuit or malfunction, any stray electrical current can safely travel to the ground. This effectively minimizes the risk of shock hazards and provides a safe pathway for electricity to dissipate, protecting both people and property.

Metallic water pipes can conduct electricity; when they are bonded to the grounding system, it creates a unified grounding network. This helps in maintaining the same electrical potential between the piping and the grounded electrical system, reducing the chance of electric shock if someone touches the piping while standing on the ground.

Understanding the importance of bonding metallic piping also highlights why the other options don't meet safety codes or best practices. Insulating the pipes would prevent necessary bonding and leave a hazard in the case of electrical faults. Limiting the bonding requirement to hot water supply only is not compliant because all metallic piping, regardless of its function, poses a risk. Lastly, the assumption that metallic piping is non-conductive is incorrect since metals inherently conduct electricity. Thus, proper bonding aligns with recognized safety standards and practices in electrical installations.