Removing Plumbing, Noticed ground strap

HI all,

I have a a few quick questions..
I'm going to be totally redoing the plumbing in an older home. It currently has galvonized piping coming into the house then a dielectic converter. I Noticed on the other side of the house near the breaker box, there is a grounding wire attached to the Plumbing.

Now since I'll be removing the plumbing and also the ground connection, can I continue to run electrical appliances in the house? ie the furnace and lighting?
Second, should I look at installing a ground rod outside the house? I'll be installing all new copper and utilizing a dielectic union at the cold water supply valve which is on the other side of the house.

Does the plumbing still need to have a grounding strap?

Thanks,
Ken

 

> since I'll be removing the plumbing and also the ground connection,
> can I continue to run electrical appliances in the house?
Yes.


> should I look at installing a ground rod outside the house?
Yes! It should already be there.


> I'll be installing all new copper and utilizing a dielectric union
> at the cold water supply valve which is on the other side of the house.
Your new copper must be bonded to the main panel also.
But this doesn't fulfill the requirement for an earth ground.


> Does the plumbing still need to have a grounding strap?
Definitely. Interior metal plumbing must be bonded to the electric panel.
Remember to bond both hot and cold (do not use the water heater to provide the required bonding). One wire can bond both.
You'll probably need #8 or #6 wire for this. There is no reason to skimp.


To the ground rods you'll need #6 bare, solid copper (#4 is stronger and better).