How should metal raceways and other metal enclosures be joined to ensure effective electrical continuity?

To ensure effective electrical continuity, metal raceways and other metal enclosures should be joined metallically. This means they are directly connected in a manner that allows electrical current to flow freely between the various components. Such connections are essential for maintaining grounding integrity and reducing the possibility of electrical resistance, which can lead to overheating, arcing, or potential equipment failure.

Metal-to-metal connections provide a low-resistance path for electricity, satisfying electrical code requirements and enhancing safety. This practice ensures that the entire system remains electrically bonded, which is crucial for effective fault protection and overall system performance.

Insulating joints, for instance, would create electrical separation between the parts, which is counterproductive for electrical continuity. Similarly, using only screws might not guarantee a sufficient connection if there isn't a proper metal-to-metal contact, while loosely joined parts could also create gaps, potentially leading to resistance and intermittent connections. Therefore, a solid, metallic connection is key to achieving reliable and safe electrical continuity in metal raceways and enclosures.