surplus center distribution panel project

[tobyS]

Yes Cleveland, it would be important if there is a GFI as the sensor will not see the imbalance, to open the circuit like it should. But without a GFI the bonding makes little difference unless the neutral is severed and the ground line is carrying the current. The straight neutral path (white wire usually) is the path of least resistance, so the bonding will not matter as long as there is no disconnection of the neutral. Some systems on the edge of having enough copper in far lines may prefer it to be a current carrying path. One may expect that, I believe, with some military generator equipment with heavy loads on 120v. In that case the bond provides an alternate path to distribute the load amongst carriers in an so cable, reducing heating in the neutral line.