Earth Wire on bath pipes

by **julie@bluespider.org** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 7:59 pm

We have an earth wire connected to the pipes of the taps of the bath but the other end is not connected to anything else. What should it be connected to?

by **ericmark** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 11:04 am

This would depend on many factors.
The original idea was to connect all metal parts in a bathroom together so they will all be at the same voltage.
As plastic pipes started to be used it was found this no longer was the safest method and as an alternative all electrical items in a bathroom must be supplied through an RCD.
So your wire may be left over from a previous system. It may need connecting to another pipe. It may need connecting to an electrical point like a shower or towel radiator etc.
It is impossible to give any real answer here as so many options.
Eric

by **julie@bluespider.org** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 6:29 pm

Thanks Eric

Our pipes are metal and we think the wire was connected to the leg of the bath which is also metal. Does this sound right?

Julie

by **ericmark** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 8:02 pm

Very likely but of course I can only guess.
Eric