Bonding Crimped Water Pipe

[sandsnow]

There is a new (to me) copper water pipe being used. The fittings have a rubber O-ring inside. The pipe is slpped into the fitting and then the fitting is crimped over the pipe to keep it in place. This is small diameter piping 1/2 and 3/4 inch. Both the fittings and pipe are copper.

Some inspectors have said they want this joint system evaluated by UL for Grounding and Bonding under Category KDER.

Without that listing it would prevent the use of that system unless bonding jumpers are installed at each joint.

My opinion is that it's good enough just for the bonding of the water pipe or using the pipe as an electrode or interconnecting of electrodes where w/in 5 feet of entrance. You can't twist it or pull it out by hand. It seems to be locked in there pretty good.

Anyone have any input on this system? Being used in you area?? Not acceptable in your area??

 

[petersonra]

I have seen it on This Old House. There is no way that crimp is ever going to come apart. It is probably a better electrical connection than soldering.

I did not know plumbing pipe was ever evaluated by UL for its electrical characteristics.

AFAIK, the only time bonding jumpers in a piping system is required by code is around things that might be taken out or are non-conductive. Nothing that I have ever seen about certain kinds of pipe require bonding jumpers around fittings.

If they cannot find something in the code that specifically requires it, I suggest you tell them (politely) to "go pound sand".

 

[sandsnow]

Hey Bob

Roll and Groove couplings are evaluated for grounding and bonding. They are the two piece clamp around type used on large water piping. Used all the time on fire sprinkler.

Oh and by the way, I would love to tell this guy to "pound sand". Problem is the inspector in question is my boss.

 

[petersonra]

Hey Bob

Roll and Groove couplings are evaluated for grounding and bonding. They are the two piece clamp around type used on large water piping. Used all the time on fire sprinkler.

Oh and by the way, I would love to tell this guy to "pound sand". Problem is the inspector in question is my boss.

I did say "politely".

But the $1,000,000 question is, what code requires they be listed?