Is a bonding jumper required for electrical continuity around water meters when using a metal underground water pipe as a grounding electrode?

A bonding jumper is indeed required for ensuring electrical continuity around water meters when utilizing a metal underground water pipe as a grounding electrode. This necessity arises from the fact that water meters are often non-metallic or insulated from the metallic piping system, which could hinder the ground path. Installing a bonding jumper provides a direct electrical connection across the water meter, thereby eliminating any potential break in the grounding system that could occur due to the meter's presence. This ensures that the grounding electrode remains effective and that fault currents can properly flow back to the ground, maintaining safety and compliance with electrical codes.

In general, grounding and bonding principles aim to create a reliable and effective path for electrical currents, particularly during fault conditions. By including a bonding jumper, the system's integrity is preserved, which is a critical factor in electrical safety practices.