[sirsparksalot]

There's a current discussion on this in another thread by Will, but I didn't want to go off topic, so I make this new thread.

Are we supposed to bond the water pipe?

Are we supposed to bond the gas pipe?

In what circumstances are we to place a jumper across the water meter?

Finally, where does one normally find the water meter, and gas line?

 

[SD515]

{Answers based on 2008 NEC}

Are we supposed to bond the water pipe?
Yes, if metal. See 250.52(A)(1) for qualifications as a grounding electrode. Metal water piping in or attached to a structure that doesn’t qualify as a grounding electrode still has to be bonded. 250.104(A)

Are we supposed to bond the gas pipe?
Yes. 250.104(B) Other Metal Piping.
I’ve found some variances on this one with different jurisdictions. The code says the Equipment Grounding Conductor of the circuit that is likely to energize the gas piping can serve as the bonding means.
A city rehab house I did recently, the city required a jumper from the gas pipe to the nearby water pipe, though the furnace had an EGC and bonded it per code. (silly to me, but whatever). The main water pipe from the street was bonded as a grounding electrode as normal, meter jumped.
Another recent job in a different county, we had to bond the gas pipe where it entered the basement, because of some CSST pipe (flexible gas pipe) that was used to feed the fireplace.

In what circumstances are we to place a jumper across the water meter?
Kind of a trick question. When the metal water piping qualifies as a grounding electrode, it has to be jumped. 250.53(D)(1) [we’re talking about an all metal water pipe system here]. When it doesn’t qualify, it may still have to be jumped, depending on the amount of metal piping coming/going from the meter. Usually an AHJ call.

Finally, where does one normally find the water meter, and gas line?
Can I make a joke here and say, ‘usually in or near the house’?

Hope this helps

 

[sirsparksalot]

Kyle, thanks. All jokes acceptable, where required :yes:

I'm going from memory here, but on my current job, the Water meter (or maybe the Gas Meter - I don't remember which), is in the ground in the yard, approx 30+ feet from where the meter socket will be - Meter socket on the house.

Now, will I bond the water/gas pipe where it enters the house, or do I need to run a bond out to the actual meter(s)?

As to jumping meters, I am under the impression that this is done so as to maintain the integrity of metal to metal in case PVC is installed somewhere that the metal to metal would be compromised; is this correct?

Thanks

 

[frenchelectrican]

Kyle, thanks. All jokes acceptable, where required :yes:

I'm going from memory here, but on my current job, the Water meter (or maybe the Gas Meter - I don't remember which), is in the ground in the yard, approx 30+ feet from where the meter socket will be - Meter socket on the house.

Genrally water pipe is the best for EGC and try not to use the gaz pipe due more and more gaz piping is switching over to plastique ( see lower part for more comment on this )

Now, will I bond the water/gas pipe where it enters the house, or do I need to run a bond out to the actual meter(s)?

You will have to run EGC from main panel to water pipe on street side with 16mm² bare copper conductor and make sure you run the jumper as well ( uncutted svp )

However for gaz piping you have to bond it inside unless stated otherwise with your local codés.( check with gaz companié for latest details )

As to jumping meters, I am under the impression that this is done so as to maintain the integrity of metal to metal in case PVC is installed somewhere that the metal to metal would be compromised; is this correct?

maybe so but not always the case and there are few details which the inspector will fill you in with bonding issue and also while we are on simauir subject make sure you run the jumper for cold et hot water pipe as well near water heater.


Thanks

I will step in this one but just be aware that the local or state may have diffrent requirement on bonding so just prepare for couple verison.

I will try to use the state side much as I can due I got used with European side { they are little more stricter on gaz piping nowdays }

Just read my answer in bleu colour.

Merci,
Marc

 

[SD515]

As to jumping meters, I am under the impression that this is done so as to maintain the integrity of metal to metal in case PVC is installed somewhere that the metal to metal would be compromised; is this correct?

Jumping the water meter is to maintain the metal to metal integrity if the meter were removed. (Again, we're talking about a house that is completely metal water piping.) If plastic was installed, say as a repair, the metal piping would then have to have a jumper across the section of plastic, to maintian the continuity path.
Now if the house is fed from the street completely with plastic, directly into the meter, out of the meter with plastic, and the entire house is piped with plastic, you don't have to bond the water pipe system at all (duh...lol). And obviously, the water piping to the street isn't going to be a grounding electrode.

 

[SD515]

Now, will I bond the water/gas pipe where it enters the house, or do I need to run a bond out to the actual meter(s)?

If it's a gas pipe, any bonding that has to be done would be inside, unless as Marc stated, otherwise dependent on local codes. Remember though an underground metal gas pipe cannot be used as a grounding electrode. Bonding and grounding are not the same.
If it's a water pipe system, and completely metal, the interior portion would have to be bonded. If it's metal pipe from the house to the meter then metal from the meter to the street, you might get away with jumping the meter without pulling the GEC from the house to the meter. Ask the AHJ on that one.