Moving or adding bonding to new pipework

[springcrocus]

At a job I am currently working on, the kitchen is being extended. As part of this extension, there are numerous changes to the water system, including extending the main water incomer about three metres along the wall internally and a new stopcock being provided.

As part of my first fix, I have laid in a new 10mm G/Y ready to be connected just after the stopcock when the pipework is finished. All pipework will be inaccessible (except for access near the stopcock) behind kitchen units and all pipework is in copper.

I had planned to just connect this up to the MET at the appropriate time, leaving the existing bonding cable where it is, but it has been suggested to me that I should disconnect the old bonding cable and just use the new cable, something to do with creating two earth-potential zones either side of the stopcock, which could be insulated from each other because of PTFE tape.

I think this is a load of cobblers but would appreciate the views of others in case I

 

[Sidewinder]

Well as Plumbers seem to be in the habit of putting "thread" tape on most if not all threaded joints how does this hold up for creating an equipotential Zone in he building?...

IF the 1st joint after your bond is a compression where do you go from here...

Is it down to the lake I fear?...

Sad I know.

 

[Manator]

Its a load of cobblers, but I understand the misconception. There is nothing wrong in leaving the exsisting bonding in place, however the location and access for inspection should be noted on the EIC and labelled locally. Otherwise a standard ZE test will not be accurate due to the now (hidden) bonding.

 

[springcrocus]

Its a load of cobblers, but I understand the misconception. There is nothing wrong in leaving the exsisting bonding in place, however the location and access for inspection should be noted on the EIC and labelled locally. Otherwise a standard ZE test will not be accurate due to the now (hidden) bonding.

Good point, Manator, but I would suggest that one would remove the earthing conductor from the MET to conduct this test rather than the bonding cables so I don't see how this would matter?

 

[Manator]

I was only assuming that with the pipework being moved a now hidden bonding would be connected. I do appreciate and acknowledge your clarification though.

 

[springcrocus]

You are correct in that there will be one hidden connection and one visible connection to the pipework.

My main query was whether there was any good reason to disconnect the original connection, but you appear to agree with me on that one. Many thanks for your comments.

 

[steptoe]

I would tell the builder/kitchen fitter that it is a requirement for the main bond to be visible for inspection,

otherwise a kitchen cabinet may have to be mutilated in the future,

I once had an NICEIC inspector demand tiles be removed in a bathroom so he could inspect the main bond to the stop tap otherwise he said if its not visible its not there,

in my mind that is correct, how can you say something exists if you cant see it.?

but you are only jealous cos I have faeries at the bottom of my garden.

 

[Andy™]

but if its sweated, then no need for access...

 

[steptoe]

[quote name='Andy

 

[Andy™]

if your lucky, you may be given EIC from previous install which states if its sweated on, and its location

but then being given previous EIC/any paperwork rarely ever happens... i can count the amount of times thats happened to me on one hand

 

[steptoe]

so you would still sign for something you havent inspected taking someone elses word for it.?

bet they are happy you are now carrying the can for something they didnt check.

 

[Andy™]

if i had reason to believe it was done (i.e i can see the cable form board heading to area its supposed to be, and i get continuity from the disconnected cable at the board to a pipe its supposed to be on), then i would accept it as done, but make a note that connection was not inspected

and as a side note, at my last assessment, he asked to see gas/water. gas in cabinet out front (easy access), water was sweated onto the pipe and tiled over. he was happy with this.