Kate said:
Could someone please direct me to a source of information that explains
the obvious reasons why we don't ground to gas lines, as well as the
alternatives available to homeowners and utility installers?
Thanks,
Kate
It's very obvious, if you had a lightning strike that caused
current to flow in the gas pipe due to equipment connected to it.
the current could cause an arc in the joints of the pipe, and
there for (bomb), also, many of times those pipes are joint together
via pipe doop ( sealant )or tape to ensure no leaks, this joining of
the pipes do not make for good grounds and can case nice arcs which
you most definitely don't want.
in other words, you never use any form of fuel feed or any type
of ignitable fluid/gas plumbing for electrical grounds.
On top of all that, pipe materials don't conduct very well.
Your best electrical ground, is one with an electrode driven in the
ground, as deep as you can get it. some even uncover the earth for a
few feet around, to lay down strips of copy braid and or copper sheets
for better grounding.
soil samples should be taken to know the extent of what is needed for
proper grounds.
Copper water pipes are not dependable because they could end up
being joined into a PVC ( Plastic ) fixer some where.
Some home owners connect the copper pipes to their electrode grounds
to make sure the pipes are grounded and give less chance of shock.
