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pwmac(at)sisna.com
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 Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:16 am Post subject: Fuel Tank ground straps |
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The spark originates between the metal filler port on the tank and the fuel hose. Our plastic tanks have a metal filler that should be grounded to the airframe to allow the static to be dissipated. Its not fool proof but sure helps.
Its very common to read about plastic tanks with no metal at all sparking during filling and causing a big problem. Lots of discussion on this subject on the Matronics forums. RV, Kitfox and Aeroelectric forums. Also a Google search will enlighten even the most skeptical reader. Don't take my word for it.
Fueling techniques can help in this matter is one verifies ground between the fuel nozzle and the metal tank port before allowing fuel to flow. Static builds up when the two are not in electrical contact when fuel is flowing. If the tank port is grounded then the static discharge will be smaller or non existent.
Paul
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At 07:25 AM 1/11/2009, you wrote:
[quote]Metal tanks can be grounded and will then drain static electricity off to ground. Plastic and composite tanks are insulators so not only can you not ground them but static charges can build up on them.
Noel
From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com [ mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com)] On Behalf Of Bob Noffs
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2009 8:43 AM
To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: ground straps
a little off the original mark but concerns grounding fuel tank. we all know static elec. starts fires. a low wing burnt at my airport 2 yrs ago while refueling. anyway.........a friend had always assumed his alum. tanks were ''bonded'' to his engine by an all metal fuel line system. the ground point was his exhaust pipe at the fuel pump. he recently checked continuity from engine to tank and even with all that metal plumbing he had an open circuit. it was traced to a joint where a little permatex had been used! i am still building and it was a simple matter for me to ground my tank to the firewall with a wire, forget the metal line. i guess i dont know how this relates to plastic or fiberglass tanks.
fwiw, bob noffs[b]
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