A Voltimum user has worked with several employers with different takes on equipotential bonding. Richard Atkins from NICEIC provides some clarity.
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Question:
I've carried out many periodic inspections/condition reports over the years and one thing that has always been pulled by my employers is when an equipotential bonding connection is made external to the property (domestic, commercial and industrial). I have always believed that bonding connections should be made within the equipotential zone. I was taught from being an apprentice that if the meter (gas for instance) is external to the property then the bonding connection should be made at the point of entry to the building. this is also what my 2391 tutor told me, yet my previous employers told me otherwise.
I am now with a new employer and would appreciate the advice to clear up any confusion that may arise.
Answer:
Richard Atkins, NICEIC, Technical Standards Engineer
It is generally preferable for a suitable bonding connection to be made inside the premises but this may not always be practical. In such situations regarding gas services, the most practical solution is often to make the bonding connections inside the meter box itself by means of a BS 951 earthing and bonding clamp of the appropriate size and cable capacity, fitted to the gas pipework where this is of hard metal type.