Bonding to Gas Lines
To the Editor:
The article "Electrical Code Update"
(7/99) was quite informative, but the
point on bonding of gas pipes needs
further explanation. When the utility
providing gas service to an occupancy
uses a dielectric union, then gas piping
must be bonded in accordance
with NEC 250-104 to ensure that piping
inadvertently energized has a continuous
path of equal potential to the
electrical system ground for clearing of
faults and personnel protection.
The problem occurs when the
installing utility does not provide a
dielectric union. In my local area, the
utility will red-tag gas equipment if
bonding is installed by the electrician.
According to my local inspector,
this is because when the dielectric
union is left out