How should bonding conductors be treated if they are exposed to physical damage?

If bonding conductors are exposed to physical damage, enclosing them in a protective conduit is the appropriate action to take to ensure safety and integrity. This measure serves multiple purposes: it protects the bonding conductors from further physical harm that could lead to electrical hazards, it prevents accidental contact with the conductors, and it helps maintain the effectiveness of the bonding system by ensuring that the conductors remain connected and functional.

Using a protective conduit also complies with safety standards and regulations that mandate that electrical components be safeguarded against environmental and mechanical factors. Properly enclosing bonding conductors affirms their role in maintaining an effective grounding system, ultimately enhancing the overall safety of the electrical installation. This is essential in preventing faults and potential hazards that could result from damaged bonding connections.

The other options do not provide adequate protection or may compromise the safety standards that are critical when dealing with bond conductors. Thus, the choice to enclose them in a protective conduit is correct.