In aviation wiring, what is a bonding strap and where is it typically installed?

In aviation wiring, what is a bonding strap and where is it typically installed?

• A. A low-conductivity cable used for grounding.
• B. A strap used to secure components internally.
• C. A high-conductivity conductor used to tie together major metal structures to minimize potential differences; commonly installed between engine mounts, airframe sections, and avionics racks.
• D. A strap that carries avionics data.

Answer: (C)

A bonding strap is a high-conductivity conductor that ties together major metal structures on an aircraft to create an equipotential electrical environment, so there’s minimal voltage difference between parts during normal operation and transient events. This is essential for safely handling lightning strikes, static discharge, and fault conditions, and it helps reduce EMI and arcing when panels or components are serviced. Bonding straps are typically installed between key structural points such as engine mounts, between major airframe sections, and at avionics racks or other metal assemblies that could become isolated from each other. They’re usually copper or copper alloy straps with secure, corrosion-resistant connections to maintain a continuous, low-impedance path.

A bonding strap is a high-conductivity conductor that ties together major metal structures on an aircraft to create an equipotential electrical environment, so there’s minimal voltage difference between parts during normal operation and transient events. This is essential for safely handling lightning strikes, static discharge, and fault conditions, and it helps reduce EMI and arcing when panels or components are serviced. Bonding straps are typically installed between key structural points such as engine mounts, between major airframe sections, and at avionics racks or other metal assemblies that could become isolated from each other. They’re usually copper or copper alloy straps with secure, corrosion-resistant connections to maintain a continuous, low-impedance path.