How to Properly Ground a Water Meter

Because most water meters have plastic parts and rubber seals, the National Electrical Code requires that special grounding be installed to bond the water main to the water pipes in the structure. Grounding the water meter refers to the jumper wire that is used around the meter to bond the household plumbing to the water main. Some water meters also have an optional ground wire attachment that can be installed to create a continuous ground with the plumbing and electrical system.

Instructions

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    Stranded #6 ground wire provides a sufficient connection for grounding.
    copper cable image by Witold Krasowski from Fotolia.com
    Stranded #6 ground wire provides a sufficient connection for grounding.
    Water meters , Single Jet Water Meter , Multi Jet Water Meter

    Take a grounding clamp and open it using a screwdriver. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise to loosen the screws to open the clamp. Place the first clamp as close to the water main entrance as possible. The National Electrical Code requires the connection to be within five feet of the point of entry of the pipe. Make sure no valves are between the ground clamp and the water main entry. Tighten the ground clamp screws by turning them clockwise to ensure a solid connection. Place the second grounding clamp next to the first clamp. Make sure there is clearance between each grounding clamp for the grounding wire.

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    A screwdriver with multiple heads, including a Phillips head and slotted head, will speed project completion.
    screw-driver with nozzles image by TAlex from Fotolia.com
    A screwdriver with multiple heads, including a Phillips head and slotted head, will speed project completion.

    Check the water meter for a built-in grounding block. It will look like a hole with a screw that could be tightened on a wire. Clean off the insulation for the #12 ground wire using the electrical pliers. Insert the end of the #12 ground wire into the grounding block, tightening the screw with the screwdriver. Make sure the wire is tightly held. If the meter does not have a grounding block, check with your municipal water company to find out the proper location to ground the meter.

  3. 3
    A good set of electrical pliers is helpful for all electrical projects.
    pliers image by Aleksandr Lobanov from Fotolia.com
    A good set of electrical pliers is helpful for all electrical projects.

    Use electrical pliers to clean off the insulation at the other end of the #12 ground wire. Insert the wire into the grounding block furthest from the wall on the water main. Use a screwdriver to tighten the wire into the grounding clamp to create a tight electrical connection.

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    Cut the #6 ground wire to length to connect the first grounding clamp closest to the water main entry to the grounding clamp fastened on the house water pipe. Tighten the wires by turning the screws clockwise until the wires are tightly connected. The water pipes and meter are now fully grounded.