Does my gas meter need to be grounded?
Not exactly. What the code actually requires is bonding — and it applies to the gas piping, not the meter. The meter belongs to the gas utility, and we don't attach to it.
What's the difference between grounding and bonding?
Grounding connects a system to earth. Bonding ties metal parts together so they sit at the same electrical potential and give a fault current somewhere safe to go. Bonding the gas line means that if something energizes the pipe, the breaker trips instead of the pipe carrying voltage.
Why does it matter?
Two reasons. Fault clearing, as above. And lightning — a nearby strike can push enough energy through an unbonded flexible gas line to arc a pinhole in the tubing. That's the failure mode behind CSST-related house fires.
Do I need a separate bonding wire, or is my system already covered?
Depends on your pipe:
- Black iron / rigid steel pipe — usually already bonded, because the pipe threads into an appliance that's connected to its circuit's ground. No extra wire needed in most cases.
- Yellow CSST (flexible corrugated tubing) — requires a dedicated bond, minimum #6 copper, run to the electrical service grounding electrode system. The appliance ground does not count.
- Black arc-resistant CSST (CounterStrike, FlashShield, etc.) — listed for installation without the direct bond. Manufacturer instructions govern.
How do I know which one I have?
CSST is flexible, corrugated, and jacketed in yellow or black plastic — it looks like a garden hose made of metal. Rigid pipe is straight, threaded, and black. If you're unsure, send us a photo.
Where does the bond wire attach?
To a rigid metallic pipe component on the house side of the meter — never to the CSST itself, never to a flex appliance connector, and never to the utility's meter or regulator. It runs from a listed clamp back to the service grounding electrode system, kept as short and straight as practical.
Can the gas pipe be used as my house's ground rod?
No. Underground metal gas piping is explicitly prohibited as a grounding electrode. It gets bonded to the grounding system; it never serves as it.
My house is older and has CSST with no bond. Is that legal?
It may have been compliant when installed. It isn't safe by current standards, and retrofitting is inexpensive relative to the risk. We recommend it on any home with unbonded CSST.
Is this a plumber's job or an electrician's?
An electrician's. The connection lands on the electrical service, has to be sized and terminated per the NEC, and gets inspected as electrical work.
What does it cost?
Most single-family retrofits are a half-day or less. We'll quote it firm after looking at where your gas piping and service ground are located.