Inaccessible clamp on main bonding. Compliant?

[DNS1]

I'm upgrading some main bonding prior to a board change, but got a quick question.

The incoming water supply is a metal pipe below the wooden floor in the living room, but the stop cock is in an inspection pit outside.

As I understand, the bonding has to be connected as soon as possible inside the property, but that means the bonding would be run to a clamp which would not be accessible without lifting the floor.

Current bonding is to a previous edition (15th I think) and is just connected to a random internal water pipe which is quite a way down the system.

What's the best way to proceed with this one?

 

[Deleted member 9648]

If that's the case wirepuller, then why the requirement for the connection to be made after the meter?

Because the meter and incoming pipework are the property of the supply authority and can only be worked on by them, hence the term 'consumers side of the stopcock'.
However....if the meter is remote from the incoming service pipework ....ie ,a length of incoming pipe is exposed in a cellar for example,it would be correct to main bond at the point of entry on the service side of the meter......although technically permission from the supply provider should be obtained I suppose.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I guess wirepuller, we are going to have to disagree on this.
The Regulations require all extraneous-conductive-parts be bonded. List of examples is provided in 411.3.1.2.
This list includes the metallic sheath of communication cables, but indicates that consent should first be obtained from the owner/operator of the cable.

Considering that with BS7671, safety is paramount and if the position of the connection would have any impact upon safety.
I find it very hard to accept that any restrictions would be placed on where to make such a connection on the basis of who owns the pipework.
If safety can be improved by placing the connection before the meter at a point closer to where the pipework enters the building, then that would be a requirement with the proviso (as with communication cables) that consent is obtained.

BS7671 also allows pipework (with certain conditions) to be used as a protective conductor.
One of the conditions is that electrical continuity is maintained, another being precautions being taken against removal.
To my mind such conditions can be met by compliance with 544.1.2 i.e. by making the connection within 600mm of a meter, to hard pipework and before any branch pipework.

Bearing in mind that it is a requirement for every connection (with certain exceptions) to be accessible for maintenance I cannot see a problem with making the connection where the pipework becomes accessible, rather than hidden away in an inaccessible position under the floor boards.