Static grounding

[2332]

Please advise recommended procedure for grounding ------

I fully understand the hazards associated with static build-up and
discharge while refueling. I have been around fuel storage, transfer,
transport and aircraft refueling operations.
Please tell me what is recommended for safest refueling from commercial
facilities / gas stations. I understand the need to place plastic fuel cans
on the ground and not fill while sitting in the truck.
However -- what about the 25 gallon plastic gas tank that is secured in the
fiberglass boat, that is on a trailer attached to a towing vehicle?
Gas tank is too large and too heavy to remove from the boat for refueling.
Yet it is above deck and reachable with dispenser hose and nozzle,

Would the operation be deemed safe / safer if one were to use a ground wire
like used on the "fuel truck". Clip the ground wire on the opening of the
tank and attach to the dispensing nozzle or other metal grounded object at the pump
site? Should a ground point be identified at the dispenser?

If one were refueling dock-side, boat in the water. One would use same
ground wire but just drop end in the water. Yes / No ?

Just want to do it safest way possible ------

[whittingtonm]

I would suggest checking with the local fire marshal for both operations. There can be a lot of variation among different fire marshals on this kind of issue.

[ZMiller]

Water is not a good ground. What if your boat was floating in pure water? Pure water does not conduct electricity and just maybe why boats with lots of electrical things have anodes.

I think when they say earth ground they mean dirt.

[Milan]

NFPA 77 has very specific information that will be useful to you.

Milan

[whittingtonm]

Thanks, Milan.

[Tankerguy]

Water is not a good ground. What if your boat was floating in pure water? Pure water does not conduct electricity and just maybe why boats with lots of electrical things have anodes.

I think when they say earth ground they mean dirt.

The anodes are to protect the metal underwater fittings. Inexpensive anodes corrode and the expensive fittings are protected.

[CherokeeUST]

Blast from the past.