Why do outside water faucets have grounding straps?

Question

I know water runing through the system causes static electricity but its not like if you cause a spark by touching the metal faucet the water will catch fire.

Is the shock buildup from this faucet really all that noticable?

Answer 1

This practice has been outlawed almost everywhere. A plumber was killed when he went to join the water system of a house to the city water meter. Electricians had grounded live circuits to the pipes in the walls. The main neutral was broken and the plumber paid the price. Only a "ground Bar" should be used for grounding purposes. Water/Gas pipes are not grounding bars and are not lighting arrestors, what they are is unstable grounds.

Answer 2

just in case of a lightning strike

Answer 3

It's just a place utility companies use to ground your electrical system because it's a good conductor to ground.

Answer 4

They are extra protection, in case some unqualified person tries to ground a wire to the metal pipes, after the house has been lived in.