electrolysis

[mistermajestic4@msn.com]

With underground copper water piping and a water bond connected, is it possible that stray electricity has chosen the water pipe as the path of least resistance thus causing electrolysis? The ground rod is 8' long and 5/8" in diameter and connected to a #6 gec. I have been told that there is anywhere from 3mA to 120mA being registered on the water piping system in various locations.

 

[jim dungar]

With underground copper water piping and a water bond connected, is it possible that stray electricity has chosen the water pipe as the path of least resistance thus causing electrolysis? The ground rod is 8' long and 5/8" in diameter and connected to a #6 gec. I have been told that there is anywhere from 3mA to 120mA being registered on the water piping system in various locations.

Myth buster #1, electricity will follow ALL paths. The amount of resistance simply determines the amount of current (less is more).

 

[M. D.]

You might want to check this thread and read some of the links I posted interesting stuff from Dr. Marc Edwards

Galvanic Action?

 

[mistermajestic4@msn.com]

M.D. A little more information: The house is approx. three years old, built in the desert, not sure if water mains are plastic or copper coming from the city, homeowner is trying to place blame for water pipe problem on the electrical contractor. Due to the mA readings taken on the water pipes the registrar of contractors believes it is an electrical problem. Any suggestions?

 

[infinity]

My suggestion is to first find out if the system has been installed properly and that it follows the code requirements for using the water pipe as a grounding electrode. IMO if the installation is code compliant the EC is off the hook.

 

[M. D.]

My suggestion is to first find out if the system has been installed properly and that it follows the code requirements for using the water pipe as a grounding electrode. IMO if the installation is code compliant the EC is off the hook.

I agree with Trevor.

My guess is the problem is , pinhole leaks? All indications are that pinhole leaks are formed from the inside out ,.. if it were related to galvanic action or the bond connection they would most likely be formed from the outside in.

99.9 % percent sure it is aggressive water and not a bonding issue.

My brother is a plumber , his shop has just made the switch to plastic water pipe, the folks that make the stuff sent him to a seminar to learn about it, he tells me it was very interesting, point is , they told him there are documented cases of pinhole leaks developing about a month after use started in the copper lines in new homes in FL.

 

[M. D.]

. Due to the mA readings taken on the water pipes the registrar of contractors believes it is an electrical problem. Any suggestions?

Stray current can be a problem , again ,check connections , shut the power to the house off at a time when other folks in the neighbor hood are home and using power, see if you still have stray current. If you do tell the "registrar "to contact the poco for more information as to why .