earth strap on incoming mains

[WabbitPoo]

Just replaced an old stopcock in our kitchen that had stopped working. There's an earth wire on the incoming copper water pipe. However, I also installed a surestop wotsit, which is plastic, so nothing after that in the house will be earthed (pipes, I mean). Should I organise to get a strap from one side of the surestop to the other (I think Surestop sell such a kit).?

I expect there is plastic pipe littered here and there in most dwellings now....has this make bonding of the incoming water main redundant?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Should I organise to get a strap from one side of the surestop to the other (I think Surestop sell such a kit).?

No, not necessary; only the incoming pipe requires bonding.

I expect there is plastic pipe littered here and there in most dwellings now....has this make bonding of the incoming water main redundant?

No, as I said, only the metal pipe emerging from the ground requires bonding.

Parts need bonding because they are earthed.

 

[WabbitPoo]

can I ask what the point of an earth wire to the first 6" only of the main water supply? Genuinely curious

 

[EFLImpudence]

It is not an earth wire; it is bonding - to join electrically parts which are earthed differently.

It ensures that, in the event of a fault, there is no potential difference (voltage) between the pipe, which is earthed by the ground, and the electrical installation earth, in case anyone should be touching both at the same time.

That you have only six inches left might make it seem a bit OTT but it is there - often under the sink.

 

[WabbitPoo]

can I check if the bonding I do have is connected by doing a continuity check with my multimeter and the nearest earth pin in a socket?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes.

If you can, measure the resistance between the pipe and the main earthing terminal - it should be next to no Ohms.

 

[WabbitPoo]

thanks for your time.

 

[EFLImpudence]