What is the primary reason for bonding a metal fuel tank and metallic parts of the fuel fill system to the grounding system?

What is the primary reason for bonding a metal fuel tank and metallic parts of the fuel fill system to the grounding system?

• A. To improve fuel flow efficiency.
• B. To dissipate static electricity and prevent a spark that could cause an explosion.
• C. To comply with cosmetic standards.
• D. To prevent rust on the metal parts.

Answer: (B)

Bonding metal fuel tanks and the fuel fill system to the grounding system is about safety from static electricity during fueling. As fuel flows and vapors move, static charges can build up on the metal surfaces. If these charges aren’t kept at the same electrical potential, they can discharge suddenly as a spark—potentially igniting fuel vapors. Providing a low-resistance path to earth by bonding the metal parts to the grounding system prevents that spark. This isn’t about fuel flow efficiency, cosmetic standards, or rust prevention. It’s a safety measure to minimize ignition risk in the presence of flammable fuel vapors.

Bonding metal fuel tanks and the fuel fill system to the grounding system is about safety from static electricity during fueling. As fuel flows and vapors move, static charges can build up on the metal surfaces. If these charges aren’t kept at the same electrical potential, they can discharge suddenly as a spark—potentially igniting fuel vapors. Providing a low-resistance path to earth by bonding the metal parts to the grounding system prevents that spark.

This isn’t about fuel flow efficiency, cosmetic standards, or rust prevention. It’s a safety measure to minimize ignition risk in the presence of flammable fuel vapors.