# Flexible bonding strap

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/flexible-bonding-strap
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: BS
Drawing use: Schematic, GA
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

A flexible braid or strap bonding a movable or vibrating metal part, such as a panel door, to the earthing system.

## In plain English

### What does Flexible bonding strap mean?

A bonding strap connects metal parts that cannot be bonded with rigid conductors, such as hinged doors carrying equipment, gland plates, cable tray across expansion joints and equipment on anti-vibration mounts. Braided straps also provide low impedance at high frequency, which helps with EMC bonding in drive panels.

### A simple example

The symbol does not state cross-sectional area or length, both of which affect protective and high-frequency performance. A long thin strap may satisfy continuity tests but give poor EMC performance. Painted surfaces under strap lugs must be cleaned for a reliable connection.

### What the drawings help you do

Check strap size against the protective conductor rule. Look for EMC bonding requirements in drive panels. A bonding strap is a flexible protective or EMC bond; a flexible conductor is a circuit conductor that must flex in service.

### This particular reference

A flexible braid or strap bonding a movable or vibrating metal part, such as a panel door, to the earthing system. A bonding strap is a flexible protective or EMC bond; a flexible conductor is a circuit conductor that must flex in service.

### Terms

- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Earthing connections](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections)
- [AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1E3FDEAE-B4B2-417C-8075-108AA2C6E509.htm)


## What it represents

A bonding strap connects metal parts that cannot be bonded with rigid conductors, such as hinged doors carrying equipment, gland plates, cable tray across expansion joints and equipment on anti-vibration mounts. Braided straps also provide low impedance at high frequency, which helps with EMC bonding in drive panels.
The symbol does not state cross-sectional area or length, both of which affect protective and high-frequency performance. A long thin strap may satisfy continuity tests but give poor EMC performance. Painted surfaces under strap lugs must be cleaned for a reliable connection.

## How to read it

- Check strap size against the protective conductor rule.
- Look for EMC bonding requirements in drive panels.

## Information to show or reference

- State strap cross-section and length.
- Show both bonding points.
- Specify paint removal at lugs.

## Important distinction

A bonding strap is a flexible protective or EMC bond; a flexible conductor is a circuit conductor that must flex in service.

## Facts

- Graphic cue: Wavy or braided link between a part and earth
- Typical use: Panel doors, gland plates and tray expansion joints
- Preview: Original educational illustration; consult the publisher and applicable standard for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Earthing connections](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Earthing_connections) — Schneider Electric, Electrical Installation Guide. Public installation-guide earthing and equipotential connection elements.
- [AutoCAD Electrical: Earthing, sources and surge protection](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1E3FDEAE-B4B2-417C-8075-108AA2C6E509.htm) — Autodesk. Public IEC-oriented bonding forms.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.