The metallic members of a communication cable sheath shall be bonded to a grounding electrode with a bonding conductor not smaller than what gauge?

The correct gauge for bonding the metallic members of a communication cable sheath to a grounding electrode is indeed established as 14 AWG. This specification is part of the requirements established for electrical safety and effective grounding practices.

Using a 14 AWG bonding conductor ensures that the conductor is adequate to handle any fault currents that may occur, thus providing a reliable path for fault current to minimize risks such as electric shock or fire hazards. The sizing of the bonding conductor is crucial as it guarantees both the safety and efficiency of the grounding system, fulfilling the essential requirements of the national electrical codes and safety standards within the telecommunications and electrical industries.

Other gauges available, like 10, 12, or 16 AWG, either exceed what is necessary or fall short of meeting the safety requirements for effective grounding. Therefore, 14 AWG is recognized as the appropriate and compliant choice for this application.