Hence why some in the electrical sphere of influencing want to change the term to "earthing" here in the colonies, yep earthing.
Article 250 of the NEC is most likely the most misunderstood section of the code, guess that's why guys like soares, iaei and the like publish books 3/4" thick on the topic, add in Ufer grounds (concrete encased electrodes), csst bonds (gas tubing) , isolated grounds (the orange receptacles) with a sprinkle of derived sources (generators that break the neutral on transfer) and finished with fault currents (what it takes to open the breaker) and heads start a spinning, reminiscent of the engineer of the silver strings submarine band who smashes all the fuses in the panelboard with a hammer. But in a nutshell; Bonding = Connect all (which includes pipes) the different metal stuff together with straps, screws, bolts, fittings or jumpers. The whole idea is that if an energized conductor (hot wire) makes contact with the metal stuff sufficient current (fault current) will flow back to the (source) panelboard overcurrent device (fuse or circuit breaker) and trip it deenergizing the circuit instantly. Grounding = Connect it to earth. Typical DIP Fire Service undergrounds DO NOT COUNT as a grounding electrode pursuant to the NEC which clearly defines them and DIP isn't one (please don't anyone make the mistake of one of our tired posters and ask about PVC and CPVC). A sharp electrical inspector will say hey it looks good but it doesn't count. The idea here is to provide a reference to stabilize voltage and provide a bleed path for lightning. In order to do that the pipe metal MUST be in DIRECT contact with earth and the DIP coating prevents that. Hope that helps, happy electrons to all. John John Drucker, CET Assistant Construction Official Fire Protection Subcode Official Building/Fire/Electrical Inspector Borough of Red Bank, New Jersey Office: 732-530-2760 X 331 Cell/Text: 732-904-6823 Email: [email protected] http://www.redbanknj.org -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Taylor, Galen Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2013 4:32 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Grounding Think about ... grounding is a term used for "earth" on old electrical diagrams. An electrical system is not "grounded" unless it goes to earth. And if you're talking about fire sprinkler piping, it's not permitted to be used for electrical grounding. Galen Taylor County of Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Prevention Engineering 323-890-4339 [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Brandon Hunsinger Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2013 1:22 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Grounding Can aboveground piping be used for grounding or bonding electrical systems. I see where underground pipe can be used for bonding but not grounding... Columbus Automatic Sprinkler, Brandon Hunsinger 706 358 2535 _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler .org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler .org CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY: This email message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged and confidential, nor is it, unless specifically stated, intended to be relied upon by any person or persons other than the individual or entity named above and no warranties or representations are made or intended to persons or entities not named above. If the reader is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone, return this message to the address above and delete all copies. Thank you. _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
