The lineman wearing conductive suits on extra-high-voltage lines are bonded to the shielding.

• A. Linked
• B. Fused
• C. Bonded
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

Establishing an equipotential connection between the worker and the shielding is essential in high-voltage work. By bonding the conductive suit to the shielding, any fault or leakage current has a direct path to ground through the bonding conductor, keeping the worker at the same electrical potential as the shield. This minimizes touch voltage and the risk of arcing through the body, which is a primary safety goal when working around energized lines. Bonding also helps discharge static buildup safely. The idea isn’t just a simple link or a one-time fuse connection, but a continuous, intentional connection that maintains the worker at the shielding’s potential, ensuring protection under fault or leakage conditions.