Which system must be in place for electrical service installations in residential areas according to NEC?

For electrical service installations in residential areas, grounding and bonding systems for safety are essential as mandated by the National Electrical Code (NEC). These systems play a critical role in protecting both people and property from electrical hazards. Grounding involves creating a low-resistance path to the earth, which helps to dissipate electrical surges or faults safely into the ground. This prevents equipment damage and reduces the risk of electrical shock.

Bonding, on the other hand, connects various conductive parts of an electrical system together, ensuring that they are at the same electrical potential. This prevents dangerous voltage differences that could lead to arcs or shocks. The NEC requires proper grounding and bonding to minimize risks associated with electrical installations, thus promoting safety in residential environments.

The other options do not address the fundamental safety requirements that grounding and bonding provide. Centralized power systems may serve specific applications but do not pertain directly to basic residential electrical safety. Regular updates to maintain compliance are important but are a function of maintaining existing systems rather than establishing the foundational safety measures required by the NEC. Isolated grounding systems may be applicable in certain situations but do not encompass the broad safety measures that comprehensive grounding and bonding systems provide in residential settings.