Moving Gas Earth-Bonding Cable

[jsmithchelt]

The previous owners had a rewire done last year and the electrician has installed a new earth bonding cable from the consumer unit to the gas meter in the room below.
However, they've put it in some ugly plastic trunking across the roof which the owners then roughly threw paint at. We're completely redecorating the room so would like to run the cable in the wall instead.

I've done some searching and can't find too much about moving them - I'm wondering:

• Can the cable be extended, or does it have to be one unbroken cable into the consumer unit (which would be notifiable?)
• Does the cable need to run through the zones set out for mains cables?

Any thoughts appreciated, TIA!

 

[EFLImpudence]

• Can the cable be extended,

Yes.

• or does it have to be one unbroken cable into the consumer unit

No

• (which would be notifiable?)

No, not notifiable.

• Does the cable need to run through the zones set out for mains cables?

Yes.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Incidentally, you are actually allowed to use other parts (except gas pipes) as the bonding conductor, so -

you could have a conductor from the gas point of entry to - for example - a water pipe and then another conductor from a connected water pipe to the main earthing terminal. This may mean the conductor does not have to run where it is unsightly.

You have said the bonding conductor runs to the consumer unit. Is that where the main earthing terminal is or is there a terminal block near the incoming electrical supply?
To where does the earthing conductor run from the incoming supply point? Does it go to the consumer unit?

 

[CBW]

Yes.


No


No, not notifiable.


Yes.

I’m slightly confused. I was always told it has to be one continuous loop. I guess I was misinformed. Is it in BS7671 and or on site guide?

 

[jsmithchelt]

You have said the bonding conductor runs to the consumer unit. Is that where the main earthing terminal is or is there a terminal block near the incoming electrical supply?
To where does the earthing conductor run from the incoming supply point? Does it go to the consumer unit?

Thanks, couple of pics attached. It's the cable to the left of the 2nd picture and goes under (but not into) the black block and straight into the CU. Worth me opening to take a look at what it's connected to?

 

[JohnD]

I’m slightly confused. I was always told it has to be one continuous loop. I guess I was misinformed. Is it in BS7671 and or on site guide?

It's one of those old rumours that never goes away.

Like the one about bonding kitchen sinks.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I’m slightly confused. I was always told it has to be one continuous loop. I guess I was misinformed. Is it in BS7671 and or on site guide?

The fact that other metal parts are allowed to be used as a bonding conductor obviously means that it won't be continuous - therefore...

 

[EFLImpudence]

Worth me opening to take a look at what it's connected to?

No, the CU being right next to the supply means that it makes no difference to your bonding conductor route.

 

[Murdochcat]

I’m slightly confused. I was always told it has to be one continuous loop. I guess I was misinformed. Is it in BS7671 and or on site guide?

That originated at the NICEIC as “best practice”

And as the NICEIC don’t write the regs (and neither do NAPIT) their guidance is often not worth listening to

 

[flameport]

Is it in BS7671 and or on site guide?

Neither. It's in GN8, in the first edition published in 2008. Still exists in the current version.
It's unreferenced, and states 'should'.

 

[SUNRAY]

I’m slightly confused. I was always told it has to be one continuous loop. I guess I was misinformed. Is it in BS7671 and or on site guide?

Seconded, my tutor went on to say any joins had to be permanent such as soldered or brazed.

 

[Murdochcat]

Neither. It's in GN8, in the first edition published in 2008. Still exists in the current version.
It's unreferenced, and states 'should'.

If it’s so important it should be included, clearly in BS 7671

 

[JohnD]

Neither. It's in GN8, in the first edition published in 2008. Still exists in the current version.
It's unreferenced, and states 'should'.

View attachment 335537

GN8?

Is that for Gas?

Not Electricity regulations?

What should be the source for electrical rules?

 

[flameport]

GN8

The IET Shop - Guidance Note 8: Earthing & Bonding, 5th Edition

Guidance Note 8: Earthing & Bonding includes information from BS 7430 Code of Practice for Earthing. It covers key guidance for all involved with specifying, designing, installing or verifying electrical installations and has been fully updated to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022.

shop.theiet.org

 

[flameport]

Seconded, my tutor went on to say any joins had to be permanent such as soldered or brazed.

That came from BS7430 along with the 'continuous conductor' statement.
None of it was ever in BS7671.