"blueman" wrote in message
...
"John Grabowski" writes:
The correct term is "Bonded". The current code as written requires that
all
interior metal piping be bonded together. This can be accomplished by
using
#6 copper wire and approved clamps. It is common in New Jersey to bond
the
hot and cold water pipes together at the water heater location. It would
be
very easy to continue the bonding wire to the gas pipe at the water
heater.
Some jurisdictions do not require that the gas pipe also be bonded.
Some
gas companies do not want their pipes bonded. The electrical inspector
would
have noticed this and would have failed the job if it wasn't done
correctly.

Did the electrician also install at least one (Preferably two) ground
rod?

Do you need to explicitly bond the hot and cold pipes together using a
copper wire jumper, or is there electrical continuity through the war
heater? (Note my house is all copper pipes)


Usually there is continuity through the water heater, however it is not an
approved connection. You must use a #6 copper or #4 aluminum wire with
approved water pipe ground clamps.



Also can I bond the gas pipe to the subpanel indirectly by just
jumpering the gas water heater intake pipe to the cold water pipe
entering the hot water heater?


That is how I do it. I usually run one continuous piece of bare wire
through each clamp on the hot water pipe, cold water pipe, and the gas pipe
on the water heater. When the inspector comes he goes straight for the water
heater and sees the bonding. If you have a hot water heating system and/or
a well, those pipes need to be bonded with the others as well. Try and keep
the clamps back far enough so that they will not interfere and do not have
to be removed to change out the water heater.



Or is it required to directly bond the gas intake pipe at the meter to
the panel ground using a single wire?

Or is all of this unnecessary since the water heater itself provides a
conducting path bonding the gas pipe system to the water pipe system
(and then back through the water pipe to the panel ground)


In New Jersey the above bonding is required. Check with your local
electrical inspector to learn what is required in your area.

There should also be a jumper wire from one side of your water meter to the
other.