Temporary continuity bond
In plumbing
A lead with a clamp at each end, fitted across a metal pipe before a section of it is cut out or removed, so that any electrical path through the pipework is not broken while the work is done. Metal pipes can be part of a building's bonding, and opening one without a bond in place can leave someone bridging the gap. Any change to the permanent bonding belongs with an electrician.
Using Temporary continuity bond in a plumbing system
Updated
A distinction worth remembering
A temporary continuity bond is an electrical precaution considered before pipework that may form part of a protective path is separated. It is not proof that pipework is safe or a substitute for electrical assessment when the arrangements are uncertain.
Questions to take further
- Does a plumber automatically have permission to work on gas appliances?
- No. Plumbing skills alone do not establish gas competence or registration. In Great Britain, gas work requires competence, and employers and self-employed gas workers must be registered with Gas Safe. Check the engineer's work categories.
Sources
- HSE: domestic gas safety FAQs — Gas Safe registration and checking the categories of work on an engineer's ID card.
- HSE: electrical safety questions — Isolation, competence and precautions before electrical work.
Where Temporary continuity bond fits in the learning path
The Safe Working section covers these topics:
- Working Safely Around Services
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- Working Safely Around ServicesSafe Working
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Conductors connecting extraneous-conductive-parts — incoming metal water, gas and oil services, and exposed structural steel — to the main earthing terminal. Bonding does not clear faults; while a fault lasts it keeps the touchable metalwork of a building much closer to the same potential, so a person touching a pipe and an appliance at the same moment bridges a far smaller voltage. It reduces the shock risk; the fault still has to be disconnected.
Main protective bonding
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Main protective bonding (electrical)
Conductors connecting extraneous-conductive-parts — incoming metal water, gas and oil services, and exposed structural steel — to the main earthing terminal. Bonding does not clear faults; while a fault lasts it keeps the touchable metalwork of a building much closer to the same potential, so a person touching a pipe and an appliance at the same moment bridges a far smaller voltage. It reduces the shock risk; the fault still has to be disconnected.
Read the Main protective bonding entryBefore you start: some plumbing work is regulated or notifiable
Some water fittings work needs notice to, and consent from, the water supplier before it starts. Check the rules where you live.
Gas work is for competent workers covered by a Gas Safe registered business in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has separate gas regulations. Do not work on gas pipes or appliances yourself.
In England, installing an unvented hot-water system over 15 litres is notifiable building work: use a competent installer registered with a competent-person scheme, or tell building control before work starts. Leave this work to a suitably skilled person.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own water and building rules; check which apply before work starts. Electrical connections belong with an electrician.
This guide does not qualify you or make you competent, approved or registered for plumbing, gas or unvented work.
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