earthing and bonding

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Electrical earthing and bonding is a subject of great debate and even the Institute of electrical engineers (IEE) have mentioned this in the 16 edition of the IEE regulations "This is the most debated topic in the IEE regulations. The confusion may have arisen because of a lack of understanding of earthing and bonding".It is advisable to have the Earthing/Bonding in your home checked by a competent electrician, to measure exactly how good the earth is in your home.You no doubt will of seen earthing wires in the home, these are the green and yellow wires that go from the Main earthing terminal to the Incoming metal and Gas supply pipes from your water and gas meters (and Oil pipes if you have them). These are known as the main equipotential bonding conductors, The thickness or cross-sectional area of this wire is normally no less than 10mm². The green and yellow wires that you may see in your bathroom are supplementary or additional equipotential bonding wires and are normally no less than 4mm²

Earthing

Earthing wire is connected to the metal incoming service pipes and the metal pipes in the bathroom by means of earthing clamps, these must not be used on Lead pipes as they are not suitable. The earthing clamps must conform to BS 951 and must contain a label which states " SAFETY ELECTRICAL CONNECTION- DO NOT REMOVE".

This is a typical clamp that would be used to earth either 10mm² or 4mm² wire to Metal pipes, but not Lead! Lead pipes require special clamps and in some cases the wire may need soldering by a competent person.

This conforms to BS 951 and carries the label "SAFETY ELECTRICAL CONNECTION- DO NOT REMOVE".

BEFORE CONNECTING ANY WIRE TO EITHER THE CONSUMER UNIT OR ANY ELECTRICAL OUTLET, SOCKET OR LIGHTING POINT YOU MUST ENSURE THAT THE ELECTRICITY IS SWITCHED OFF AT THE MAIN SWITCH ON THE CONSUMER UNIT / FUSE BOX