Bonding of sprinkler system

[ceb58]

On a building I am doing it will have a sprinkler system installed. I have 2 driven rods and the building steel is bonded. Is the sprinkler riser requried to be bonded? The reason I ask is this from an old thred.

From NFPA 13, 1999:
5-14.4.3.5: In no case shall the pipe be used for grounding of electrical systems.

The use of sprinkler or underground piping for electrical grounding increases the potential for stray currents and increased galvanic corrosion. In addition, the use of nonconductive joints may not provide the expected ground. Electric equipment should be grounded in accordance with NFPA 70; National Elecctrical Code.
(Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook)

 

[Hv&Lv]

On a building I am doing it will have a sprinkler system installed. I have 2 driven rods and the building steel is bonded. Is the sprinkler riser requried to be bonded? The reason I ask is this from an old thred.

It has to be bonded. 250.104

The sprinkler riser wouldn't be used as the grounding electrode, it would be bonded. Besides, the sprinkler pipe is hanging from bonded steel anyway.

 

[ActionDave]

I have never done any bonding to any part of a sprinkler system.

 

[gadfly56]

Occasionally this results in fisticuffs involving the electrical and fire sub-code officials. I bring my own popcorn. :lol:

 

[augie47]

As noted, NFPA13 does not allow it for "grounding".
Most systems these days use a type of coupling with a rubber seal that effectively isolates the metallic sections so bonding to one section accomplishes little.
I always felt the main riser made an ideal electrode, but have been advised by engineers/architects no to use it.

 

[dkidd]

Victaulic fittings are UL listed for bonding the pipe sections. If anyone is interested, I'll try to find the UL number.