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L2 Plumbing Unit 4 Apply scientific principles within mechanical services engineering

Unit 4: Activity Sheet 4.7


Electricity supply and its control
Tutor guidance notes
Aims and objectives At the end of activities 4.7A and 4.7B, learners should be able to: state the basic principles of earth continuity, bonding and temporary bonding. The activity is divided into two parts: a set of questions (activity 4.7A) followed by a multiple-choice exercise (activity 4.7B). They are not intended as formal assessment. However, the answers should be discussed with learners as a group to ensure they fully understand the topic. The activity can be used in different ways, for example: during the session, either individually or in pairs, as a to-the-point learning tool at the end of a session to recap learning as homework.

Activity 4.7B could be used at the beginning of a subsequent session to link with prior learning. Whichever teaching method is chosen, it is advisable to set and agree a completion date for each activity.

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L2 Plumbing Unit 4 Apply scientific principles within mechanical services engineering

Unit 4: Activity Sheet 4.7


Activity 4.7A Earth continuity, bonding and temporary bonding
Answer the following questions.
1 What is the requirement of the electrical wiring regulations BS 7671 regarding earthing? The connection of the exposed conductive parts of an installation to the main earthing terminal of that installation. 2 What is the reason for earthing all metal materials in domestic properties? To ensure that dangerous potential differences cannot exist between metal parts of the installation and earth (ground). 3 Show your understanding of safe earthing of all metallic materials in domestic properties by selecting the correct words to complete the gaps in the passage below. bonding wire earth removed supplementary In a dwelling, the bonding of all exposed metal components that are not part of the electrical installation is known as equal potential The earth In some domestic properties, supplementary is used to link sections of central heating where the metal pipework has been separated Where a length of metal pipework is removed bonding. bridging earth clips safe central heating equal potential separated

bonding conductor is usually found close to the consumer unit. bonding may be required. It or cold or hot water pipework by a plastic fitting or length during maintenance, it is

of pipe. This will ensure earth continuity throughout the property. essential that earth continuity is maintained. This is achieved by bridging the gap exposed by the removed section of pipe with a temporary bonding wire . It is essential that the temporary bond is securely
2

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L2 Plumbing Unit 4 Apply scientific principles within mechanical services engineering

fixed in place before the length of pipe is removed. When connecting bonding wire to pipework, earth clips to ensure that it is safe 4 . should be used. These are designed to indicate the importance of the electrical connection and

Draw the missing earth cables in the diagram below.

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L2 Plumbing Unit 4 Apply scientific principles within mechanical services engineering

Activity 4.7B Earth continuity, bonding and temporary bonding


1 You have been given a maintenance job that involves replacing a length of copper pipe in the middle of the cold-water circuit. What do you have to do before you remove the length of pipe? Explain why the job has to be done in this order. When maintenance processes are being conducted and it is necessary to remove a length of metal pipework, it is essential that the earth continuity be maintained. This is achieved by bridging the gap exposed by the removal of pipe with a temporary bonding wire. It is vital that temporary bond is securely fixed in place before the length of pipe is removed. This is to ensure that the plumber cannot receive a fatal electric shock.

Pearson Education Ltd 2011. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

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