Grounding and Bonding (with Mike Casey)

Structure Talk

In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, the hosts welcome special guest Mike Casey, an experienced home inspector and educator. The conversation focuses on the topics of grounding and bonding in electrical systems. Mike explains that grounding connects the system to the Earth, maintaining a reference of 120 volts to the ground and providing a path for current to flow in the event of a lightning strike or other overvoltage occurrences. Bonding, on the other hand, connects metal components together that have the potential to be energized, ensuring that current has a path back to the source and preventing people from being in the path of a potential circuit. The hosts and Mike discuss the importance of proper bonding and grounding in various systems, such as pools, CSST, and detached buildings. They also address the changes in electrical code regarding bonding and grounding requirements. In this conversation, Reuben Saltzman and Mike Casey discuss the importance of bonding in electrical systems. They cover topics such as bonding gas piping, water distribution piping, and metal ductwork. They also touch on the bonding of metal siding and soffits. Mike emphasizes the need for proper bonding to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards. They also discuss the role of grounding electrode systems and the importance of understanding electrical theory. Mike recommends consulting an electrician or a knowledgeable home inspector for proper grounding and bonding inspections.
Takeaways
Grounding connects the electrical system to the Earth, maintaining a reference of 120 volts to the ground and providing a path for current in the event of overvoltage occurrences.
Bonding connects metal components together that have the potential to be energized, ensuring that current has a path back to the source and preventing people from being in the path of a potential circuit.
Proper bonding and grounding are essential for safety and preventing damage to electrical systems and appliances.
Changes in electrical code require separate paths for neutral current and equipment grounding and the use of four-conductor feeders for appliances with both 240V and 120V components.
Specialized grounding requirements exist for systems like CSST and pools, and it is important to follow the specific guidelines for each system to ensure safety and compliance. Proper bonding is essential in electrical systems to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards.
Gas piping, water distribution piping, and metal ductwork should be bonded to prevent potential energization and protect against electrical shocks.
Metal siding and soffits do not require bonding.
Understanding grounding electrode systems and electrical theory is crucial for proper bonding and grounding inspections.
Consulting an electrician or knowledgeable home inspector is recommended for proper grounding and bonding inspections.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Eclipse Experience
06:10 Grounding and Bonding: Definitions and Purposes
14:07 The Difference Between Grounding and Bonding
29:31 The Role of Electricians in Verifying Proper Bonding
39:02 Bonding Metal Ductwork
50:12 Understanding Grounding Electrode Systems