NFPA 70 Report on Proposals A2007 — Copyright, NFPA
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
FPN: For further information see NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems and NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service and Their Appurtenances, for the limited use of these systems as grounding electrodes.
Substantiation: In the 2001 ROP code Proposal 5-165 (Log #3313) included a recommendation to revise section 250-52(A) by adding “Water Based Fire Protection Piping Systems” to be prohibited as a grounding electrode.
The panel rejected the recommendation concluding the following statement applies, “The intentional bonding of all the utilities in a building creates an equipotential ground plane that minimizes the voltage differential between the different systems under normal and abnormal operating conditions. The result is an environment safer from the hazards of electrocution and fire. (Excerpt from January/February, 2000, NFPA Journal article “Grounding, Bonding, and Sprinklers”, by John Caloggero).
There is no disagreement that the bonding of all systems results in a safer environment, however, there is a distinct difference between grounding and bonding as defined in Article 100 of the NEC.
Currently, the NEC does not appear to reference the limited use of these piping systems as part of the grounding electrode system. Therefore, the insertion of a FPN in Part B of this section referencing the limited use of these piping systems would not only be prudent, it will provide continuity between NFPA publications while achieving a more user friendly document.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: These metal water piping systems that meet the criteria in 250.52(A)(1) are grounding electrodes naturally, and as such are required to be bonded to the grounding electrode system. A provision that allows these piping systems to be isolated from the grounding electrode system is not substantiated. The NEC does not differentiate between the various water piping systems that qualify as grounding electrodes, neither does it exempt any.
Number Eligible to Vote: 15
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 15
Submitter: Ryan Jackson, West Valley City, UT
Recommendation: Revise as follows:
(B) Other Metal Piping. Where installed in or attached to a building or structure, metal piping system(s), including gas piping and fire sprinkler piping , that is likely to become energized shall be bonded to the service equipment enclosure, the grounded conductor at the service, the grounding electrode conductor where of sufficient size, or to the one or more grounding electrodes uses. The bonding jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance with 250.122 using the rating of the circuit that is likely to energize the piping system(s). The
equipment grounding conductor for the circuit that is likely to energize the piping shall be permitted to serve as the bonding means. The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be accessible.
FPN: Bonding all piping and metal air ducts within the premises will provide additional safety
Substantiation: There is a long-standing debate as to whether fire sprinkler piping is a 250.104(A) or 250.104(B) type of piping. I have spoken with several code experts on this issue, including multiple members of Panel 5, and have received different answers on this issue. Accepting this proposal would end this debate, and would be a step forward in the uniform interpretation of this rule, which is something that we should all be striving for.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: A metallic fire sprinkler piping system is metal water piping system that is covered by Section 250.104(A). Section 250.104(A) does not differentiate or exclude between the various types of metal water piping systems that might be present in a building or structure. Section 250.104(B) covers metal piping systems other than those metal water piping systems covered by 250.104(A).
Number Eligible to Vote: 15
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 15
