Is it OK to temporarily remove earth bonding on gas pipe

[Sprocker]

hi as the title says. Is it OK to temporarily remove the earth bonding clamp off the gas pipe so I can get a neater job painting (obviously not painting where the clanp attaches) and re attach the clamp afterwards.
Thanks in advance

 

[sparkwright]

The best answer I suppose would be as long as the earth clamp is removed, the power should be fully turned off.

Although plumbers don't seem to worry about removing them.


Once removed, earth clamps don't always go back on very nicely again, unless you know what you're doing.

You are better off painting neatly around it.

 

[Sprocker]

Thats great thanks

 

[JohnW2]

The best answer I suppose would be as long as the earth clamp is removed, the power should be fully turned off.

Strictly speaking, even that is not totally guaranteed to be 'safe' with a TN-C-S electrical installation, but the risk is probably not large enough to worrying about.

I suppose that if one wanted an even 'safer' approach, one could temporarily attach the clamp to somewhere else on the pipe and then return it to its original position (and paint the 'temporary location') after one had painted in the vicinity of the clamp's normal position.

Kind Regards, John

 

[Taylortwocities]

I would take the safety precaution of turning off the main switch before you disconnect the bonding connection.

There may be a fault in the installation that could cause a voltage difference between the bonding conductor and the gas pipe.

 

[mattylad]

Just run some masking tape around the pipe either side of the clamp and mask off the camp - leaving it in situ is best.
this will still look neat and maintain the safety that the clamp is there for.

 

[Robin0577]

Although plumbers don't seem to worry about removing them.

Agreed, the vast majority of plumbers don't seem to worry about it. Those who are either very conscientious, or being observed by the Gas Safe inspectors, use a temporary jump lead to maintain continuity while working. https://www.screwfix.com/p/rothenberger-continuity-bond-with-crocodile-clips-1-2m/97463

 

[EFLImpudence]

Those who are either very conscientious, or being observed by the Gas Safe inspectors, use a temporary jump lead to maintain continuity while working.

I'll bet they don't put it in the right place.

 

[SUNRAY]

I'll bet they don't put it in the right place.

Yeah.
I had a boiler replaced and the fitter ran a new pipe from the meter, adding the tee between the meter and earth lead. A year later her did the rental gas check and listed it as incorrect. I was there with him suggested he corrected the situation FOC as he had created it. He was reluctant but moved the clamp... Then I asked about the minor works cert...