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+-- Thread: Sharkbites and grounding? (/showthread.php?tid=7188703)
Sharkbites and grounding? - Snipe Hunter - 01-09-2016
Does a sharkbite union create a dielectric break or a reliable conductor?
If a ground-wire jumper is required between inlet and outlet of water heaters, and around any meters or devices containing plastic then why wouldn't a jumper be necessary at a sharkbite connector if the copper line is being used as a ground?
Re: Sharkbites and grounding? - R Clark - 01-09-2016
Snipe Hunter said:
Does a sharkbite union create a dielectric break or a reliable conductor?
If a ground-wire jumper is required between inlet and outlet of water heaters, and around any meters or devices containing plastic then why wouldn't a jumper be necessary at a sharkbite connector if the copper line is being used as a ground?
Have used them, though not for the purpose you describe.
I don't see how they could possibly conduct...the fittings I used appeared to be all PVC (or some other plastic) will rubber or silicone seals on the ends. Run a continuity check with a multi-tester. Should tell you everything you need to know.
Re: Sharkbites and grounding? - Snipe Hunter - 01-09-2016
I would do that if I didn't have water in the pipes. I don't have any extra sharkbites floating around.
Re: Sharkbites and grounding? - EricU - 01-09-2016
try it anyway, water isn't that great of a conductor
Re: Sharkbites and grounding? - Robert Adams - 01-09-2016
EricU said:
try it anyway, water isn't that great of a conductor
True in fact water doesn't conduct electricity at all. The dirt and minerals in it conduct the electricity.
Re: Sharkbites and grounding? - JosephP - 01-09-2016
I thought water lines were no longer supposed to be used for ground? (but not claiming to know that...so excuse me if that is incorrect)
Re: Sharkbites and grounding? - EricU - 01-09-2016
using them as a ground certainly is a bad idea. People have been using plastic for repairs for many decades now
Robert Adams said:
[blockquote]EricU said:
try it anyway, water isn't that great of a conductor
True in fact water doesn't conduct electricity at all. The dirt and minerals in it conduct the electricity.
[/blockquote]
when I say "water" I mean the amalgam of chemicals that comes out of my tap, not the pure stuff. I am too lazy to make sure my math is correct, but it looks like even salt water is a million times less conductive than copper, and salt water is 1000 times more conductive than tap water
Re: Sharkbites and grounding? - daddo - 01-09-2016
I can appreciate you mentioning this. The pipes should be grounded.
Nothing like grabbing a pipe and feeling that tingling shock, then reading 120v from pipe to ground.
There is always the possibility of a wire shorting to the pipe or the pipe connected to an appliance that shorts out.
I have a habit of back handing unknown pipes before I grab them.
Re: Sharkbites and grounding? - Bob10 - 01-09-2016
They would break any type ground as the internals and sleeve are plastic of some type
Re: Sharkbites and grounding? - Mr_Mike - 01-09-2016
They are brass bodied with metal spring fingers that grip the pipe and can provide continuity. However the manufacturer does not guarantee it and I would not rely on it.