Grounding gas pipes

Question about grounding gas pipes.

1. I've realized that my gas pipes may not be properly bonded. I see some current on that gas pipe, about 2 mA or so, current is trying to go to ground via this gas pipe conduit, this is probably not Normal. If we bond this pipe, should we connect it directly to the house ground or should it be taken to the subpanel instead?

What is code and a proper protocol for bonding gas pipes.

The gas supply lines that provide natural gas or propane to your home heating system are completely safe if they were properly installed and maintained, but they have the potential to damage your home if they were not.  After receiving this recent request, “…I have CSST that I believe is not grounded and would like an estimate for grounding it…”, we decided to write this blog and explain proper grounding for CSST and other gas supply lines.

What is CSST?

CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) is a flexible, stainless steel pipe, usually yellow or black in color, that is used in buildings for gas supply lines.  Because it can be bent, it is usually routed along or around floor/ceiling joists or inside wall cavities.  This flexibility makes it less expensive to install and safer.  There are fewer leaks with CSST due to long runs and very few connections.  It also adds another safety measure in case of earthquakes, which often cause fires by shaking or breaking gas line connections.

CSST is different from the short, flexible gas line connections that go from a wall to a gas range or other appliance. Those short lengths of tubing are not required to be bonded and grounded separately.

CSST Gas Lines Must Be Grounded

Introduced in the US in 1990, CSST has been installed in millions of buildings.  Since 2009, US building codes have required CSST to be bonded and grounded for safety, but that was not required during the first 18 years.

If you have CSST in your home and gas supply line work was done there since 1990, you need to be sure it is safe.  Contact a licensed electrician who will ensure it is properly bonded and grounded.   The reason for this safety precaution is that a nearby lightning strike could cause the systems in your structure to become electrically energized.  That type of power surge could potentially puncture a hole in the CSST and cause a fire.

The bonding process involves placing a metal clamp around the metal end of the CSSR and connecting it securely with an appropriate grounding wire (no smaller than 6 AWG) to the central grounding system for the building.  This creates a permanent, direct connection to serve as a pathway for the discharge of electrical energy from the gas supply line.

Need Help Grounding a Gas Line?

Frye Electric can perform this service for you and give you peace of mind.  Just call us at (317) 659-6899 or use our contact page to send a message.   We will be glad to take care of it, along with any other electrical service needs you have.   For over 40 years we’ve been serving the central Indiana area, and we have thousands of satisfied customers to recommend us.  Call us today!