Thread: Earthing pvc pipework

Originally Posted by Ashore

....run a thin copper wire through all your pipes and earth at one end.....

Yes but...
there are those who will argue that this just gives the 'built up charge' something to arc to, therefore creating an ignition source for the fire/explosion...

Infact if the copper wire runs through the entire pipe of 8" diam then the size of the particle that could build up a charge that could generate a static charge that would cause a positive particle to create an arc would be larger than the pipe size by a factor of 3000 or more(taking a length of 1 meter and a diameter of 20 mm
But this is only going on my experiance as a Marine engineer where we studied the size of particles in clouds formed in large oil tanks that could cause static discharge
A constant earthing inside a pipe duct / cable tray / tank or vessel with an insulated outer coat reduces the chances of static discharge within said vessel

Personally I don't think 4 or 6 inch ducting would cause a problem as the particles are not big enough to build a charge of sufficent size to cause an arc to form and to what

My statement stands "Its like wearing braces and a belt"

Or another way "better safe than sorry"

Personally as my own choice I ran a wire through my pipes , only because I had the wire and the time.

I don't knock anyone who advocates earthing or non earthing
The arguements for and against can be convincing

Go with what feels right if you have the spare uninsulated wire run it down the pipe can't hurt
But dont get to sitting up worring all night if you don't.





The trouble with life is there's no background music.

One point I got from this article

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/rodec/.../DC_myths.html

was that usually the volumes are unsufficient to create the density of dust and therefore the potential for a static discharge of sufficient size to actually ignite anything. He's pretty definite about not being able to earth pvc but what I'm gathering is that earthing of an end-point (machine or dust collector) should be undertaken because of the possibility of a static discharge thru the operators hand or other body part.

He says that points of change of direction (tees/reducers etc) are points for static buildup. I know in my case, with the possible exception of the thicknesser (check out the post from the guy suggesting we were mis-pronouncing the names of these things - the gall) or perhaps the lathe when I'm on a roll, I don't generate a lot of dust/shavings or not enough where I'd have vivid mental images of the particles all jostling for space and exchanging static charge as they move along the pvc path to the dust collector bag...

Originally Posted by Soren

Look forward to see the pics on Monday

Well Keith53 came, saw and doesnt' reckon I've got a snowflake's chance in Brisbane of finishing the system next weekend!!!
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Some may see that sort of comment as a challenge, and to them I say:

Oh well, there's always next year!

Cheers,

P

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

............

Oh well, there's always next year!

Cheers,

P

Seeing it is your birthday, and have a great one, at that, you should be spending time with your family, instead of sitting here in front of the computer, dreaming up excuses for not finishing the ducting

Originally Posted by Soren

..... you should be spending time with your family, instead of sitting here in front of the computer, .....

What????? I thought we were his family..... :confused:

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

What????? I thought we were his family..... :confused:

OK I suppose that is true, but I expect that there may be others, who are geographically closer, that Midge can share a bottle with on the auspicious occasion

Why not use EARTHenware pipe for ducting?

Outback!!!

Welcome back Cliff.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

Outback!!!

Or Outfront too.

Al

Originally Posted by ozwinner

Or Outfront too.

Al

Pehhaps outrigger if the pipes up high





I don’t mind growing old, it sure beats the alternative.

Outhouse?

Originally Posted by outback

Outhouse?

A little outdated most are inside now



The trouble with life is there's no background music.