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Equipotential bonding dilemma!

geov
I have an issue on which I would value your opinions.

I’ve been conducting EICRs in a building developed over the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, more castle than domestic dwelling, though it is now providing around 20 flats. The properties were rewired in the early 80’s. I’ve found a number with no MEB to incoming water or gas or both. The issue is that the cut outs and consumer units are, without exception, the opposite end of the properties from where gas and water enter the properties.

It’s a listed building so nothing can be run externally, floors are polished hardwood ( not sure what vintage) and ceilings are ornate plasterwork.

Although all were rewired under one contract, many have had electrical alterations and additions since, except bonding. That said, the typical set up is a MK board with an up front 80A, 30mA rccb with 3871 type 2 mcbs for the domestic circuits, along with a separate off peak board serving storage heating. In the flats which have had gas installed, some of the former off peak circuits are now  radials with socket outlets with no rcd/rcbo protection.

Readings suggest PME/tnc-s supplies, a few have PME stickers.

So, to my question - is there any way I can address the lack of access to install bonds to water gas ( leaving aside ripping up historic floor boards or getting copper services changed to plastic)? Innovative, whacky, off the wall suggestions welcomed as are technically sound, difficult ones!

TIA
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  • 0
    Certainly the gas meters in the houses round here give a  metallic connecition from inlet to outlet.

    The offical advice (quoting form) here

    ENA Engineering Recommendation G12 published by the Energy Networks Association



    ENA Engineering Recommendation G12 Issue 4 Amendment 1 December 2015 Requirements for the Application of Protective Multiple Earthing to Low Voltage Networks contains clause 5.2.1 which states: 



    Provision of earth terminal requires that where a metallic gas service is provided to a consumer’s premises with a PME earth terminal, an insulated insert should be fitted in the gas service.



    HistoricalnotefromENA:



    Prior to these standards (in particular IGEM GL/5), IJs were occasionally installed downstream of the ECV. This was to comply with PME requirements, and so these IJs are still required. 



    IGEM/G/5 Edition 2 document published by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers



    IGEM/G/5 Edition 2 document (clause 11.2) contains requirements for insulating fittings. Clause 11.2.1 states:



    … insulating fittings shall be installed in all metal pipe, whether gas carrying or containing a PE liner, capable of providing electrical continuity between earth and the above ground pipework.



    Clause 11.2.2 states:



    Insulation fittings shall be installed in accessible location as close to the pipes entry into the building or, in the case of external pipework, as close as possible to the pipes exit to the ground and upstream of any ECV. The uninsulated section of the exposed pipe shall be as short as possible.

     




    Now by saying it has to be before the ECV, and therefore before the gas meter, it is not in the remit of Gas Safe, but Transco - who on the transmission and distribution side of things are allowed to use plastic pipes and fittings.


    Plastic pipe and fittings after the meter would be considered  a big 'no',, and is probably what the Gas Safe chaps are thnking of when they say they can't do it.


    Sometimes referred to as a monolithic insulating joint or 'MIJ' by some maker's literature.


Reply
  • 0
    Certainly the gas meters in the houses round here give a  metallic connecition from inlet to outlet.

    The offical advice (quoting form) here

    ENA Engineering Recommendation G12 published by the Energy Networks Association



    ENA Engineering Recommendation G12 Issue 4 Amendment 1 December 2015 Requirements for the Application of Protective Multiple Earthing to Low Voltage Networks contains clause 5.2.1 which states: 



    Provision of earth terminal requires that where a metallic gas service is provided to a consumer’s premises with a PME earth terminal, an insulated insert should be fitted in the gas service.



    HistoricalnotefromENA:



    Prior to these standards (in particular IGEM GL/5), IJs were occasionally installed downstream of the ECV. This was to comply with PME requirements, and so these IJs are still required. 



    IGEM/G/5 Edition 2 document published by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers



    IGEM/G/5 Edition 2 document (clause 11.2) contains requirements for insulating fittings. Clause 11.2.1 states:



    … insulating fittings shall be installed in all metal pipe, whether gas carrying or containing a PE liner, capable of providing electrical continuity between earth and the above ground pipework.



    Clause 11.2.2 states:



    Insulation fittings shall be installed in accessible location as close to the pipes entry into the building or, in the case of external pipework, as close as possible to the pipes exit to the ground and upstream of any ECV. The uninsulated section of the exposed pipe shall be as short as possible.

     




    Now by saying it has to be before the ECV, and therefore before the gas meter, it is not in the remit of Gas Safe, but Transco - who on the transmission and distribution side of things are allowed to use plastic pipes and fittings.


    Plastic pipe and fittings after the meter would be considered  a big 'no',, and is probably what the Gas Safe chaps are thnking of when they say they can't do it.


    Sometimes referred to as a monolithic insulating joint or 'MIJ' by some maker's literature.


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