Maybe I read too fast. To "handle" the ground wire while it is connected
to ground will not be a problem. My previous post assumed you wanted to
disconnect the ground wire from the copper pipe to replace the clamp. If
so, it would be good to switch the main breaker off as well.

Chuck


chuck wrote:
There are two issues:

Is it possible that lethal voltages might be found between the copper
pipe and the grounding wire (when disconnected from the pipe, of
course)? Absolutely! It is not likely, but it can and has happened.

Second issue is what to do about it? You can carefully measure the
voltage when the wire is disconnected, but you need the right kind of
meter for that. Best, and easiest, approach is to clip a jumper between
the grounding wire and the copper pipe before removing the clamp, etc.
When you're finished, remove the jumper.

Needless to say, potentially lethal voltages are a sign of a problem
that ought to be diagnosed and corrected. They are not a normal
condition. This is very definitely not in the same class as taking a
shower!

Good luck.

Chuck

bent wrote:

I am doing a Renovation in the basement. Where the Copper water pipe
goes down vertically into the ground, the concrete floor is missing.
there is a 7" trapezoidal gap in the pour. I have partially covered
it with the 2x4" flat to the floor that is part of a new stud wall.
but the hole still juts out. The hole sticks into what is to be a
finished tiled floor I will do shortly diagonally 1.5" x 3". Then on
the other side of a 2x2" partition wall the hole continues about
another 6"x6". There is also the main ground wire from the fuse box
screwed to the same copper water pipe about an inch above concrete
level. However the bare wire low gauge crimp clip which attaches the
wire to the pipe with a wrap around steel clamp and bolt is kinked
right off, and I have mashed the bare twisted wire just into the main
water shut off tap wheel. It is all right at the water meter.

Two questions:

1) Can I fill this hole with concrete (or how much of the hole).
It is quite a noticeable gap, with nothing but dirt a few inches
down. A little of this hole is on the edge of a new tile floor I'll
be doing. I'd like to fill it (all) in. Is there any reason not to
wrap an 1/16"- 1/8" flexible whatever around the water pipe, and fill
it up.

2) What if any danger am I in handling the bare ground wire for a
while to re-crimp/clamp without shutting off the main power?


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