Cross bonding cutting gas/water pipes

[Matt0029]

I know no one really does. But technically why should we use bonding clamps when we cut a section of gas or water pipes out? Thanks.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

To stop it sparking if it’s a better earth than the house electrics

 

[Matt0029]

Cutting the pipe can cause a small spark?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Cutting the pipe can cause a small spark?

Yes if current is being passed to earth via it as the steel / copper pipe in contact with ground has a better / lower resistance than the main earth / house lost the main earth

@Murdoch can you explain it better ?

 

[Ben-gee]

It can actually throw you across the room!
If there is a short that is running to earth through the water.gas pipe and you cut this pipe - at some point of the cut , you become the best path to earth and get the full current running through you!
By clamping either side of your cut you provide a lower resistance path for the short to carry on through the pipe to earth (via the clamp wire) - rather than via your body.