When bonding the installation, which should be shorter if the bonding wire and the cable connecting to consumer electronics are the same size?

The bonding wire should be shorter because its primary purpose is to create a safety path that helps to prevent electrical hazards by ensuring that any fault currents will have a direct path to ground. A shorter bonding wire means less resistance in the connection, ensuring that the grounding system is effective and that the current can be carried safely away in the event of a fault.

In contrast, the drop cable that connects to consumer electronics typically carries data or power and is required to be long enough to reach the devices safely and effectively. If the bonding wire and the drop cable are of the same size, having the bonding wire be shorter helps to achieve a more efficient grounding method without affecting the performance or reach of the communication or power lines.

This understanding also reflects compliance with safety standards and best practices in electrical installation, which emphasize the importance of effective grounding in preventing electrical shock and ensuring equipment safety.