Earthstake For Gas Meter

[wsoppitt]

If it is virtually imposible to get a new bonding cable from consumer unit or service head to an external gas box is it acceptable to connect the gas to its own individual earth stake ?

If not can you explain why please .

regards wayne

 

[kerching]

Well the regs say something to the effect of.......within 600mm of the point of entry of the pipe or as near as is practicable.

Doesn't say anything about being in the box as far as I know

Just paraphrasing...

 

[betty swollocks]

No it isn't, the purpose of bonding all service metalwork is to ensure no potential difference can or does, exist. Having two earth points in one installation means you couldn't guarantee that. Just because you can not get an earth bond to the meter isn't an excuse, but the regs do allow for 'within 600mm or where ever practicable' so basically you could bond at the boiler if that was an option.

 

[wsoppitt]

Thanks , potential did come to mind but as the incoming water is in plastic pipe and all equipotential bonding is in place which runs back to the MET then i felt this problem may have been eliminated by cross bonding between the heating and gas pipes at the boiler .

was a long shot but thought i would ask to question anyway .

wayne

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

The aim is not  to earth the pipes,  your bonding them so fitting a stake is no good. Unless the gas pipe enters the property at the external box it should not be bonded there, but it seems a lot of 'electricians' dont know that. However, British Gas rules may differ to  BS7671 and they want to see a bit of green & yellow cable at the meter where ever it is. 

 

[wsoppitt]

So if connection is a problem within the 600mm of where it enters property that brings us to where ever practicable , what if the nearest accessible point of contact is some 10m from the point of entry , can you still connect to that point ? practicable is very open ended so is there not a max distance . 

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

So if connection is a problem within the 600mm of where it enters property that brings us to where ever practicable , what if the nearest accessible point of contact is some 10m from the point of entry , can you still connect to that point ? practicable is very open ended so is there not a max distance . 

There is no max distance!!!

But heres a few thoughts that may help you...

stop and think... Why are you installing any equipotential bonding??

{the answer is NOT just because the regs say I must..}

BS7671 is non statutory guidance for the safe installation of electrical systems,  in order to protect people, property and livestock..

so..

What is the hazard or danger you are trying to eliminate or minimize to an acceptable level of safety when bonding??

Are we protecting people, property or livestock.... and/or from what hazards??

IF the pipe is inaccessible for a specified distance after it enters the property..

what dangers exist within this inaccessible section???

and what does BS7671 say about departures from the guidance???

have a read of 120.3  page 16..   especially the last paragraph...

providing you are happy that the methods you are using are equally as safe as those recommended by BS7671..

and you have noted them on your certificate and/or any other appropriate places... 

then you have met you obligation to protect people, property and livestock!!

Guinness

 

[Jcspark]

no

 

[Andy™]

erm... what?!

 

[ProDave]

erm... what?!

New member getting his post count up to 10 with old threads.

 

[Jcspark]

Jeeso, didn't notice it was that old ! Sorry.