Which small conductive surfaces for hydromassage bathtubs are not required to be bonded?

In the context of hydromassage bathtubs, air and water jets are small conductive surfaces that do not require bonding. This is because these jets, which are designed to introduce air and water into the bathtub for a hydromassage effect, typically do not present a significant electrical hazard. They are usually installed in a way that minimizes the likelihood of them being energized in the case of a fault.

Bonding is a safety measure intended to ensure that all conductive surfaces within a potentially wet environment, such as a hydromassage bathtub, are at the same electrical potential to prevent electric shock hazards. However, specific components like the air and water jets are not considered elements that require bonding due to their design and intended use.

In contrast, items like valves connected to metallic piping, metallic towel bars, and grounded light switch mounting straps are typically required to be bonded because they can create paths for stray current if not properly bonded, thereby increasing the risk of electric shock. Proper bonding of these surfaces serves to protect individuals using the bathtub and reduce the chance of electrical faults leading to dangerous situations.