What is the system bonding jumper in a separately derived system?

In a separately derived system, the system bonding jumper plays a crucial role in ensuring that the grounding and bonding systems are correctly configured for safety and system integrity. The system bonding jumper specifically connects the grounded circuit conductor, which is typically the neutral conductor, to the bonding jumper that links the grounded system to the equipment grounding conductors.

This connection is essential because it helps establish an effective ground fault path, ensuring that in the event of a fault, the electrical current will safely return to the source, minimizing the risk of electrical shock or fire hazards. By making this connection, it creates a common reference point for the electrical system's ground, which is vital for the proper functioning of protective devices like circuit breakers and fuses.

The other options relate to different components within the electrical system but do not specifically define the role of the system bonding jumper in its function within a separately derived system. The main conductor to the panel and the grounding electrode serve different purposes, while the return path for current refers more to the overall current flow in the circuit rather than the bonding function.