Inspection notes · October 1, 2019
Gas line bonding.The details matter.
An inspection note about gas piping can sound simple, but the correct bonding method depends on the piping system, its manufacturer, the electrical system, and local requirements.
Bonding versus grounding
Related ideas, different jobs.
Grounding connects an electrical system to earth. Bonding connects conductive parts together and to the electrical grounding system so they remain at substantially the same electrical potential and an electrical fault has an intentional path.
That is why a recommendation to bond gas piping should not be reduced to simply adding a wire or installing another ground rod. The complete electrical and piping systems need to be considered.
CSST
Identify the exact product first.
Corrugated stainless-steel tubing is sold in different product families, and their current installation instructions are not identical. The jacket, fittings, date code, and manufacturer can affect the bonding method and approved attachment point.
Manufacturer guides also warn against attaching a bonding clamp directly to the corrugated tubing. A qualified professional should identify the system, review its instructions, and confirm local requirements before changing it.
Inspection and repair
Coordinate the electrical and fuel-gas work.
A safe correction may involve both a licensed electrician and a qualified fuel-gas professional. The electrician can evaluate the grounding and bonding system; the gas contractor can identify piping products and address fuel-gas defects.
If an inspector has written a correction, share the exact wording and photos. That is more useful than relying on a verbal summary or copying a detail from a different brand of tubing.
Official resources
Read the source guidance.
Requirements and guidance can change. Confirm current details for the property, equipment, and jurisdiction.Buckeye Electric · Central Ohio
Have an inspection note about bonding?
Send the exact correction, photos of the piping and fittings, and clear photos of the electrical service and grounding connections.