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Copper gas line - bonding?

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

I live in an old 50’s home. The gas line from the meter to the range is 1/2” copper. its been there a long long time and functions fine. I‘m replacing the old gas range. I was going to have the gas line replaced but for budget reasons ($800 quote) I need to wait. I noticed the gas isn’t bonded. The copper line may be grounded to the copper water line under the house but from what I can tell from the ground rod near the electrical meter there is only one bonding clamp. I know if it’s replaced with CSST line it would need to be grounded. Should I run a 6 gauge wire from the ground rod to the gas On the other side of the house?

thanks in advance for your help

Comments (4)

  • 6 years ago

    Ask on the Electrical forum. But I don't think you bond to the grounding rod. But I think you connect the gas line to the water line inside of the water meter, then the electrical to the water line also inside of the meter. Depending, the meter will have a copper connection spanning the meter.

  • 6 years ago

    The black pipe to CSST transition-fitting in my gas line is bonded to my electrical panel, and it passed inspection. The electrical panel is also bonded to the incoming water cold pipe and to two ground rods outside. I would have to check to see how the meter is bonded.

    Bruce

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    People are of different opinions as to whether to bond gas piping or not. The code was changed a while back to only require gas piping "that is likely to become energized." The handbook explanatory text (which is not part of the code) says that this phrase means where the failure of conductor insulation might cause the thing to carry current. If your gas pipe connects to a range that has some electric components (most do these days) and it's not connected by some sort of electrically isolating material, the recommendation is that the gas piping feeding it should be bonded. Of course, it's up to your local "authority having jurisdiction" (inspector).


    Gas piping elsewhere isn't required to be bonded. Further, the code PROHIBITS gas piping from becoming part of the grounding electrode system. Many utilities electrically isolate the incoming underground pipe from the interior piping. There's been cases of lightning strikes nearby and the like causing holes to form in the CSST.

    Amy thanked Ron Natalie
  • 6 years ago

    Thank you Ron, this is very helpful. Mine is going to my gas range. Do you know if it can be bonded anywhere along the copper pipe or does it have to be at the connection near the main gas meter?