Can a service be grounded to water pipes?

Grounding a service to water pipes is permissible under specific conditions set forth by the National Electrical Code. The critical aspect of this practice is that the grounding system must be properly bonded and connected. This ensures that in the event of a fault condition, any fault current is effectively and safely directed back to the ground, minimizing the risk of electric shock or fire.

The bonding requirement is particularly important because it establishes a continuous, low-resistance path to ground and can effectively clear faults. It ensures that all metal parts connected to the grounding system, including water pipes, are at the same electrical potential. This is crucial in preventing any hazardous potential difference between the grounded water pipes and surrounding conductive materials.

Additionally, while there are specifications on the materials used for grounding and bonding, the critical takeaway is the requirement for proper installation and bonding rather than restrictions on the types of materials, such as copper or whether the pipes are above or below ground. Thus, the correct choice underscores the necessity of proper installation practices to maintain electrical safety standards.