Where should bonding connections be made on pipes entering a building?

• A. At the point of entry or 600m from the service meter
• B. At the service meter
• C. At the point of use
• D. Anywhere on the pipe after the service meter

Answer: (A)

Bonding the metal water pipe serves to keep all parts of the piping at the same electrical potential, creating a low-impedance path to earth so a fault current can trip the protective device quickly and reduce shock risk.

The bonding connection should be made at the point the water service enters the building, or within a short distance from the service meter (about 600 mm). This places the bonding as close to the origin of the piping as possible, ensuring the entire metal piping system inside the building is effectively bonded and remains continuous.

Bonding at the service meter itself or somewhere downstream would risk leaving portions of the pipe unbonded—especially if the meter or downstream fittings interrupt continuity or if there are non-metallic sections—so those options do not provide the same level of protection.