Here is what the USCG say's about bonding fuel systems, there is no mention on bonding portable tanks, as the law is clear that all portable tanks are to be filled ashore. [h=3]Manufacturer Requirements[/h]
FEDERAL LAW
183.572 - Grounding
Each metallic component of the fuel fill system and fuel tank which is in contact with fuel must be statically grounded so that the resistance between the ground and each metallic component of the fuel fill system and fuel tank is less than 100 ohms.
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Fuel flowing from the dispensing nozzle into a fuel tank is a potential source of a static electric charge which could cause a spark between the dispensing nozzle and metal component of the fuel tank fill system. To prevent such a spark from occurring, metallic components of the fuel tank fill system and metallic fuel tanks must be grounded.
Grounding or bonding may be accomplished by connecting the metallic components electrically by running a wire from one component to the next, and so forth to the boat’s ground. Grounding can usually be accomplished by a connection to the common bonding conductor or the engine negative terminal.
If the fuel tank deck fill fitting is nonmetallic, and nonconductive hose is used as a fill pipe, there is no need for grounding the fill fitting. Chrome-plated plastic fill fittings are treated the same as metallic fittings.
NOTES:
- If a metal hose attachment fitting is used, it must be grounded.
- Fill cap retaining chains need not be grounded.
FIGURE 36 - Fuel Fill System Grounding
CAUTION BONDING WIRES PUT UNDER THE END OF A HOSE COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. The bonding wire should be a "bolted connection" on the tank’s ground tab. At the deck plate the bonding wire may be securely connected to a ground fitting provided on the deck plate, or securely connected to a deck fill plate bolt. |
TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW
- Are metallic components of the fuel tank fill system and the metallic fuel tank grounded?
- Is the resistance between each of these metallic components, including the metallic fuel tank and ground less than 100 ohms?