Electrolyses

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Hello Mr. Holt,

I am a first time poster. I work for an inspection agency that is contracted by a jurisdiction in the state of Maryland.

It has been suggested to me that the requirement for bonding of the metal water piping of a pump station associated with to a housing community, may in fact be causing the point of connection to corrode due to electrolyses. And that as an electrical inspector, I am incorrect to require these pipes to be bonded to the service as stated in the 2005 NEC article 250.104. It is my understanding, that the branch of the jurisdiction that I work in and that monitors these pump stations is impling, that the need for the bonding does not apply in this instance and it is more detrimental than the risk that would be involved if it were not bonded.

I guess my question is, which of us is incorrect and if I am incorrect, what would be an acceptable alternative?

Thank you for your time.
 
Well, I ain't Mr. Holt, but I'll take a stab at it.

You are correct, the piping must be bonded. There are a few exceptions, for gas lines, etc., but if this is water, you gotta bond it. There is also an exception for "undesireable currents" but that won't hold water (pun intended) here.

There have been many threads here about current flow on the bonded piping, you may want to try a search.

As far as electrolysis, I'd say the bigger problem would be where is the D.C. coming from???? This shouldn't be an issue w/A.C.
 
I have a better question for you. How would you install an electrical system in a pumping station or any where else for that matter and not have a ground on the water pipes?
 
They bond the piping at all of the pump stations here and we have never had a problem. Are they using the correct clamps?

If the pipes just look like they are corroding or getting pin hole leaks, the the plumber may not have reamed his pipe. This will cause the pipe to wear out very quickly.
 
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