What is a true statement about grounding and bonding in isolated wire paths for irrigation systems?

• A. Grounding is unnecessary for low-voltage irrigation circuits
• B. Proper grounding and bonding help ensure safety and reduce stray voltage, using approved grounding practices
• C. Grounding should be connected directly to sprinkler heads
• D. Bonding only applies to water pipes, not electrical

Answer: (B)

Grounding and bonding in isolated irrigation wire paths are about creating a safe, predictable path for electrical fault current and keeping all metal parts at the same electrical potential. When irrigation circuits run separately from the building’s ground, stray voltage can appear on sprinkler bodies, valves, and metal piping, posing shock hazards and encouraging corrosion. using approved grounding practices—such as running an equipment grounding conductor with the circuit and bonding metal components to the same potential—helps ensure safety and reduces stray voltage, allowing protective devices to clear faults quickly and preventing dangerous voltage differences. This approach should follow code requirements, rather than assuming grounding isn’t needed for low-voltage circuits or bonding only to water pipes or sprinkler heads.