Grounding sprinkler pipe
- Thread starter j rae
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jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
Read 250.104(B).
We went through this a few years back on a job in TN and the Sate Fire Marshall cited an NFPA Code that made it a violation to use the sprinkler as a ground. I don't have the referecne handy. but I will try to find it.
edit to add:
My memory is that the wording is strange,,,,
You might refer to this post:
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=124625&highlight=sprinkler
as noted, the NFPA section they quoted said you can not use it as an electrode, but it should be bonded. Not sure how you accomplish bonding without it becoming an electrode.
edit to add:
My memory is that the wording is strange,,,,
You might refer to this post:
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=124625&highlight=sprinkler
as noted, the NFPA section they quoted said you can not use it as an electrode, but it should be bonded. Not sure how you accomplish bonding without it becoming an electrode.
Last edited:
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
I've said the same thing about gas piping. Supposedly, the gas line has an isolating joint in it.
Who's supposed to make sure the gas piping does, and do sprinkler pipes have them?
RICK NAPIER
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
Underground feeders to sprinkler systems sometimes do use dielectric fittings.
John120/240
Senior Member
- Location
- Olathe, Kansas
Wouldn't the sprinkler pipe be already bonded by default due to it's means
of installation. Usually hung by beam clamps & all thread. Granted beam
clamps are not rated to carry fault current.
of installation. Usually hung by beam clamps & all thread. Granted beam
clamps are not rated to carry fault current.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Sprinkler pipes are unintentionally bonded in many places esp. when pumps are involved. However the fire code, I believe, as Gus is referring to, may have a say in bonding the pipe.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
Good point.
I say they have no say in bonding. They may as to 'grounding'.
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
Here the Sprinkler and the water main is one in the same, they will bring in a 4" to 6" and then tap the Potable water off ahead of the check valves, and we bond for electrode street side of the check valves, but I have been required to jumper across a plastic clapper valve on a dry systems before price 2 6" grounding clamps
. the water meters for both potable and sprinkler are the copper X yoke for all the ones I have seen, so no jumping them.
. the water meters for both potable and sprinkler are the copper X yoke for all the ones I have seen, so no jumping them.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Why do you say that. If there is no dielectric fitting to separate their pipe from the interior piping and being used as an electrode, then I believe they do have a say. The gas companies wont let you bond their pipe coming in from the street.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
Correct. If they want to have the pipe isolated they can prohibit grounding not bonding.
For gas. Bonding at or after the meter not before. Most is plastic today anyway.
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