PLASTIC PIPES DANCER

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29071, 7 December 1959, Page 11

PLASTIC PIPES DANCER

Power Board Issues Warning The electrical dangers of replacing metal plumbing by plastic piping, was stressed by the engineer (Mr R. P, Thomson) at the monthly meeting of the Banks Peninsula Electric-power Board. He stated that two cases which could possibily have had serious results had been noted during the month. He explained that if the main earth was connected to piping in the ceiling, and plastic piping was inserted between this point and where the pipe entered the ground, the earthing of the installation was made ineffective. Plumbers, generally, should be aware of the position and, when using plastic piping or interfering with the main earth, should contact the supply authority. Many farmers, however, did their own plumbing and did not realise that their use of plastic piping had rendered their earth system ineffective. Mr H. Menzies said that in almost every house it was now normal for owners, when renewing plumbing, to replace metal parts with plastic and he felt sure the danger was not realised, and should be widely publicised. The board resolved to circularise consumers early in the new year. In response to a question as to length of metal required in the ground, Mr Thomson replied that it was necessary for metal to enter the ground and continue for some length outside the building. “Moist earth provides a more effective earth than dry ground,” he said. “It is usually dry near a house and not effective. We usually specify for earth a pipe driven down 6ft, but even that is sometimes insufficient and it is necessary to go deeper. The safest earth comprises a driven pipe, plus connexions to a metal water pipe. If the main earth is damaged, or plumbing alterations involving the use of plastic piping are made, the consumer should consult his electrician or the board to ensure that his installation was safe,” Mr Thomson added.