In which scenario would grounding and bonding NOT provide protection?

Grounding and bonding are essential for electrical safety, primarily designed to protect both equipment and individuals from electric shocks and faults. The scenario where grounding and bonding would not provide sufficient protection is when objectionable current is present.

Objectionable current refers to an undesirable or unexpected flow of current that can occur due to faults, improper connections, or other anomalies within an electrical system. When this type of current is present, it can pose a risk, as grounding and bonding alone may not be able to mitigate the effects or prevent harm. For example, during a fault condition, the ground may not carry enough fault current to trip a protective device, allowing hazardous conditions to persist, which would go unaddressed by grounding and bonding.

Conversely, during normal operation or transient voltage events, grounding and bonding systems typically provide a path for fault currents to safely dissipate, ensuring that equipment remains protected. Operational phases, which include normal and fault conditions, also rely on grounding and bonding to maintain overall electrical system integrity. Thus, option B stands out, highlighting a scenario where the protective abilities of grounding and bonding may fall short due to the presence of objectionable current.