Loose earth bond

[jonnyw]

I was replacing my washing machine at the weekend, and noticed one end of the earth bond was tucked behind the back wooden plate under my kitchen sink, not attached to anything. I have no idea if it's come loose whilst removing the old machine, or if it's been like this for longer.

I have 2 questions:

1) Probably the most important I guess, is what should it be attached back to?
2) What is the functionality of these wires?

Overview - showing loose end in foreground. The other wire comes out of the wall and is attached to the sink as shown in the second photo (all ground floor):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgqvuwv4xms4clb/bond1.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ut1rg5u11aydwgk/bond2.jpg?dl=0

The other end of the loose wire is attached to the water pipe, before the stopcock and meter:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6y4q3knmvyv5ks4/bond3.jpg?dl=0

 

[mwatsonxx]

1. Assuming it is a metallic sink, it should be attached to the sink.
2. To ensure that all metal work inside your property that could become live is connected to earth.
PS couldn't see any of your images.

 

[jonnyw]

For some reason I was unable to embed the images. I've replaced with links which should work now.

Edit: Yes the sink is metallic.

 

[JohnD]

1. Assuming it is a metallic sink, it should be attached to the sink.

Nonsense.

Are you living in the 1960's?

 

[John D v2.0]

It should be attached to the main earth terminal which is probably near your meter/consumer unit.
I'm not sure quite what's going on but what's there now doesn't make too much sense. Perhaps it was supplementary bonding under a previous edition of the regulations.
Basically nothing metal in the kitchen needs specifically bonding, but your water and gas services if metal need main bonding back to the main earthing terminal, from where they enter the building. If that's not the case, get it done asap.

 

[Echo the husky]

That bonding cable that is coming out of the wall should be attached to the water supply pipe not the sink...

 

[jonnyw]

Should perhaps mention, the house was built in 1996, though the kitchen was replaced at some point since.

 

[JohnD]

In 1996 there was no requirement to bond to a sink.

Nor in 1986

I think not in 1976 either, though you'll need to find a historian to tell you when (if ever) there was such a regulation.

It's folklore chanted by elderly plumbers.

 

[mwatsonxx]

Since the introduction of PME, there has and has always been a requirement to bond any metal work that could become live, fact. including kitchen sinks!

 

[EFLImpudence]

2. To ensure that all metal work inside your property that could become live is connected to earth.

That's nonsense too.

Since the introduction of PME, there has and has always been a requirement to bond any metal work that could become live, fact.

and so is that.

 

[John D v2.0]

Since the introduction of PME, there has and has always been a requirement to bond any metal work that could become live, fact.

Writing "fact" doesn't really help, especially since it's not a requirement. You have to bond all ecps, which applies regardless of pme.

 

[Echo the husky]

Since the introduction of PME, there has and has always been a requirement to bond any metal work that could become live, fact. including kitchen sinks!

You're starting to sound like D.W. Cockburn...

 

[mwatsonxx]

You're starting to sound like D.W. Cockburn...

Read the regs.

 

[mwatsonxx]

That's nonsense too.


and so is that.

But you will never give reasons will you?

 

[EFLImpudence]

There could be various reasons for you writing nonsense? I don't know which one it is.

Tell us which regulations support your incorrect views?