What is the typical installation location and purpose of a bonding strap in aircraft?

What is the typical installation location and purpose of a bonding strap in aircraft?

• A. A high-conductivity conductor used to tie together major metal structures to minimize potential differences.
• B. A strap used to secure wires inside panels.
• C. A cable that carries data signals between components.
• D. A strap used to hold antennas.

Answer: (A)

Bonding straps are used to keep large metal parts at the same electrical potential by providing a low-impedance connection between them. They’re installed at locations where major airframe components meet or could be electrically isolated by joints—such as connections between wing structures and the fuselage, between bulkheads, or across skin panels that join different sections. The strap itself is a high-conductivity conductor, typically copper or copper alloy, and can be braided or flat, mounted with corrosion-resistant hardware. Its purpose is to equalize potential, giving a path for static charges and lightning energy to flow safely, which helps prevent arcing, reduces RF noise, and minimizes galvanic corrosion between joined parts. It isn’t used to secure wires, carry data signals, or hold antennas.

Bonding straps are used to keep large metal parts at the same electrical potential by providing a low-impedance connection between them. They’re installed at locations where major airframe components meet or could be electrically isolated by joints—such as connections between wing structures and the fuselage, between bulkheads, or across skin panels that join different sections. The strap itself is a high-conductivity conductor, typically copper or copper alloy, and can be braided or flat, mounted with corrosion-resistant hardware. Its purpose is to equalize potential, giving a path for static charges and lightning energy to flow safely, which helps prevent arcing, reduces RF noise, and minimizes galvanic corrosion between joined parts. It isn’t used to secure wires, carry data signals, or hold antennas.