Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

Is it necessary to jump the water meter when bonding a plumbing system to the electrical system?

1. Yes, it is necessary to jump the meter

2. No, the connection is built into the meter

3. Yes, but only for PVC pipes

4. No, you can use any type of connector

The correct answer is: No, the connection is built into the meter

Bonding a plumbing system to the electrical system is an important safety measure to ensure proper grounding. When considering the water meter, it is essential to recognize its role and construction. Modern water meters are designed with non-conductive materials, which can isolate the plumbing system from the electrical system. Therefore, when attempting to bond the two systems to prevent potential differences in voltage, the connection is inherently integrated within the meter itself. This means that a jumper wire is not required across the meter, as the meter’s design already serves the purpose of maintaining the system’s integrity. If a jumper were added, it could potentially lead to improper bonding and electrical safety hazards, particularly due to varying materials and the risk of corrosion or other electrical failures. The other options do not align with the best practices regarding bonding at the water meter. For instance, suggesting it is necessary to jump the meter ignores the fact that doing so could introduce complications. Therefore, stating that the connection is built into the meter accurately reflects not only the construction of modern water meters but also adheres to safety protocols.