ESA Warns of Electrical Hazards When Replacing Metal Water Meters & Water supply lines

EIN ESA Water Meters 400

May 20, 2021

Always assume there is a flow of electricity in the piping system. Workers should treat metallic water pipes as if they are energized.

ESA is warning on potential electrical hazards associated with the replacement of metallic water meters and water supply lines to plumbers. Any workers who undertake the replacement of a metallic water meter or metallic water piping system should be aware of a possibility of electrical shock or arcing occurring when the continuity of the water piping is interrupted. 

Workers must always assume that there may be flow of electricity in the piping system and deal with the metallic water pipes as if they are energized. A latent fault of a disconnected or deteriorated neutral connection in the electrical system will increase the risk, and removing a water meter or cutting the metallic piping system within or exterior to a building may cause an electric shock to the worker. An additional issue is related to the damage or interference with a metallic water pipe utilized as the ground electrode. When the metallic pipes are replaced with a non-metallic piping system, there is increased risk of fire where there are existing failures in the electrical system.

ESA recommends contacting a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) to assess the condition of the existing electrical system including the neutral and grounding electrode connections. In some cases, arcing may be indicative of a more serious problem with the electrical system which requires investigation by an LEC. The Local Distribution Company (LDC) should be notified if the LEC has determined the arcing is from external sources.

Replacement of metallic water meters or repair of metallic piping systems 
An LEC may not be able to detect latent conditions in other premises or within the LDC’s infrastructure. For this reason, it is imperative that the continuity of the piping system be kept intact when cutting the metallic piping system or replacing a domestic water meter is carried out. The installation of a temporary jumper (minimum No. 6 AWG copper wire) with clamps made for the application across the water meter or between broken sections of metallic pipe would be adequate to ensure the continuity of the grounding electrode is maintained with this type of work.

Replacement of continuous metallic supply line with non-conductive water supply line
When replacing the metallic water supply line to non-conductive water supply line, a new ground electrode is required to be installed by an LEC prior to the existing piping/grounding electrode being removed. Connection to a grounding electrode is considered electrical work. A notification of work shall be filed with ESA.

For more information, please see: Flash Notice 20-26.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

    Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

    By Luc Rodier, Chair of the Board of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) The 2025 EFC Conference in Niagara was a landmark occasion—marking 30 years of innovation, collaboration, and collective progress in the Canadian electrical industry. Set against the symbolic backdrop of the Canadian-U.S. border, this year’s theme, Electrifying Connections, couldn’t have been more fitting. As President and… Read More…

  • Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    June 9, 2025 Introduction: With the multitude of options on the market, it can be difficult to decide whether you need a pin and sleeve wiring device or a plug and connector in your industrial plant or facility. You might find your head swirling with thoughts about which option is best. Or you may not… Read More…

  • Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada On June 3 and 4, a high-level delegation from Canada’s electrical and automation sector travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for a series of strategic meetings with Quebec government officials and key stakeholders. Organized by Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), this mission underscores the critical role the industry plays in advancing… Read More…

  • Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada This year’s Annual Industry Conference, held against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a landmark event with more than 710 Electro-Federation Canada community members. More than just a celebration of our shared history, it was a launchpad for new ideas, future-based dialogue, and deeper connections.   The energy and… Read More…


Changing Scene