What must be done to bonded metal parts located near a pool?

The requirement for bonded metal parts located near a pool is crucial for safety and compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations. Bonding these metal parts ensures that they are electrically connected to each other and to the ground, which helps to mitigate the risk of electric shock hazards.

When metal parts are bonded, it creates a low-resistance path for any fault current that might occur due to a fault or short circuit. This allows protective devices, such as circuit breakers or fuses, to operate effectively, cutting off the electrical supply and preventing potential injury to individuals who may come into contact with these parts.

Bonding is necessary because the presence of water, particularly in pool environments, increases conductivity. If metal parts are not properly bonded, there could be a significant voltage difference between them, leading to dangerous electrical shock scenarios. Therefore, proper bonding is essential to maintain safety around pools and to meet NEC requirements.

The other options do not address the critical need for electrical bonding. Painting, insulating, or allowing unbonded parts if grounded does not provide the same level of protection and compliance as ensuring all metal parts are properly bonded.