What is the purpose of the equipotential bonding required in pool areas?

The purpose of equipotential bonding in pool areas is fundamentally to reduce voltage gradients. This practice is crucial for safety in environments where electrical equipment and conductive materials are present, particularly near water. By bonding all metallic structures and equipment together, such as pool ladders, handrails, and other conductive parts, potential differences between them are minimized.

Reducing voltage gradients helps to prevent electric shock hazards that can occur due to differences in electrical potential between various points in the pool area. The aim is to create a uniform electrical potential, so if a person comes into contact with any metallic object, the risk of electric shock is significantly lowered. Thus, equipotential bonding is a vital safety measure dictated by electrical codes to protect individuals using the pool from potential electrical hazards.