Levi asks this question, which concerns protective equipotential bonding. It has been answered by the NICEIC (Theme – Regulations and Legislation):
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Question: In BS 7671:2008, Regulation 554.1.2 states that protective equipotential bonding (PEB) should be connected 'where practicable' within 600mm of the meter union or point of entry.
I have trawled the Internet and various publications but cannot find the answer to two questions in relation to this:
1) Why 600mm - what is the significance of this measurement?
2) In relation to BS 7671:2008 and PEB, what is the definition and the interpretation of the term 'where practicable'?
Answer: It is deemed that if the bond is carried out within 600mm, it would then ensure reliability that almost all of the pipework as it enters into the building, and thereafter, is effectively covered by the connection.
'Where practicable' is an engineering judgement on your part - if you cannot do the bond within the 600mm requirement.
So, it should be placed as close to the intake position, where it is accessible for future test, inspection and maintenance if required.
Very often, the bonds do get built over where they come into the property and this makes it difficult to confirm them as being adequate when future works are being carried out, or when a condition report is being compiled.
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