17 volt potential

[dodge26]

We have come across a potential difference off 17 volts between a hand rail and a lampost, the building is an old one and relys alot on metal work for earth paths, the only way to rid if the potential is to bond the handrail. Client isn't happy with this due the decrotive level within the area, anyone got an alternative answer, and does 17 volts really matter, and is there a get out in the regs?

 

[GaryM]

Measure the resistance of the handrail to the main earthing terminal, if it's less than 22KΩ then it requires bonding.

Is this handrail bolted into the floor or bolted to the wall?

 

[GaryM]

Is the wall or floor damp? A few years ago my wife complained about getting a shock off a hotel room wall while we were on holiday in Kenya. I thought yeah, right then got the same shock myself! Possibly a faulty accessory / wiring and damp conditions in our situation.