gas meter question

[stardog]

I am only posting this here because I am not sure where to post. If there is another forum somewhere for this question please advise and I will go there.

The other day as I was edging around the gas meter in the backyard I inadvertently snapped in two the grounding rod that is attached to the meter. I figured I would just go buy another length of metal pipe and reattach to the main pipe going tothe meter, like the current rod is attached.

Then I began wondering what is the purpose of this rod in the first place and what is it actually grounding at the meter. I've attached a picture showing the meter and, on the right side, is the metal rod I broke that is still attached to the meter pipe via the metal strap (I just temporarily stuck it back in the ground).

Can someone explain if I need to replace this grounding rod? The house was built in 1960 and the fact that I was able to snap the rod in two using an edger tells me the pipe is probably pretty old as well. Thanks to anyone for making me more astute about this.

GG
Houston, TX USA

Can someone explain to me what this

 

[frodo]

never seen a grounding rod on a gas meter


i do see, that your pipes are not coated.

you really need to dig up your pipe. and coat it with tar.or wrap with a tar tape

if you get little pin holes in your pipe. your bill will start to go up, and gas smell/fumes will be a danger to your family

 

[stardog]

Thanks, Frodo. I was never really sure what purpose it serves to have a grounding rod either. Will look into the pipe issue and find out when they were laid as well. Enjoy the holidays!

Gary

 

[mrbob]

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f19/bond-ground-gas-meter-80501/
"(B) Other Metal Piping. Where installed in or attached to
a building or structure, a metal piping system(s), including
gas piping, that is likely to become energized shall be
bonded to the service equipment enclosure, the grounded
conductor at the service, the grounding electrode conductor
where of sufficient size, or the one or more grounding
electrodes used. The bonding jumper( s) shall be sized in
accordance with 250.122, using the rating of the circuit that
is likely to energize the piping system(s). The equipment
grounding conductor for the circuit that is likely to energize
the piping shall be permitted to serve as the bonding
means. The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s)
shall be accessible. "
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/wiring/msg0610523518373.html?6
"Fuel Gas Code: 7.13.2 CSST. CSST gas piping systems shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system at the point where the gas service enters the building. The bonding jumper shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent."
"Also, The equipment grounding conductor for the circuit that is likely to energize the piping shall be permitted to serve as the bonding means. The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be accessible."

I'm not an expert on this, but there are enough experts with different opinions (see above) that it is worth calling your local building inspector and asking him for advice.

Bob

 

[Mr_David]

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f19/bond-ground-gas-meter-80501/
"(B) Other Metal Piping. Where installed in or attached to
a building or structure, a metal piping system(s), including
gas piping, that is likely to become energized shall be
bonded to the service equipment enclosure, the grounded
conductor at the service, the grounding electrode conductor
where of sufficient size, or the one or more grounding
electrodes used. The bonding jumper( s) shall be sized in
accordance with 250.122, using the rating of the circuit that
is likely to energize the piping system(s). The equipment
grounding conductor for the circuit that is likely to energize
the piping shall be permitted to serve as the bonding
means. The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s)
shall be accessible. "
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/wiring/msg0610523518373.html?6
"Fuel Gas Code: 7.13.2 CSST. CSST gas piping systems shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system at the point where the gas service enters the building. The bonding jumper shall not be smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent."
"Also, The equipment grounding conductor for the circuit that is likely to energize the piping shall be permitted to serve as the bonding means. The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be accessible."

I'm not an expert on this, but there are enough experts with different opinions (see above) that it is worth calling your local building inspector and asking him for advice.
Bob

Does not apply here. No Building here and both lines going into ground. And good advice