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-   -   Copper Pipe Shock (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=117022)

  • Aug 6, 2007, 09:12 AM
    cjwillisgeo
    Copper Pipe Shock
    While attaching a new water line to existing copper I received a low
    Voltage shock. I could only feel it if my hands were wet. I
    Immediately turned off the main power to the house and started back to
    Work and guess what, I received the same shock. I then disconnected
    The cable and the telephone. I still received the same shock. I am on
    A well (plastic pipe from the well to the copper), so it's not a utility issue. I did a visual check of the pipes for something crossing but I didn't see anything obvious. Almost all of the pipe is covered in fiberglass wrap then covered with foam insulation. The copper pipe is not grounded at all (wondering if this is the problem). I am really confused. Any help would be appreciated.
  • Aug 6, 2007, 11:48 AM
    Ken 297
    This is the electrical ground which may be connected to the water service.
    I used to work on water meters and anytime I pulled a meter I would use a jumper cable with alligator clips, that way I could attach the cable and the electricity that was grounding through the water meter could go to through the cable.

    The is quite common and I never thought it was anything to worry about.
    The way it was explained to me is that any point in the ground has a certain electrical charge.
    The charge is different depending on the distance away from the original point. Anytime the distance is breached the current tries to equalize and follows and electrical conductor.

    So if you have a piece of copper 100 feet long the electrical charge from one point to the other is significant enough you can feel it if you cut it in the middle.Then you become the conductor.
    I know this isn't an expert explanation but then I'm not an electrician.

    Hope it helps.

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