grounding for metal heandrail on concrete staircase

[veegrid]

Hi I have a substation where the control house is about 100ft from the switchyard but within the overall fence. The entrance for the control house is at 5ft elevation from the ground. we have installed a pre-cast concrete staircase. And has recently added a metal handrail. The question is, do I need to ground this handrail? The step and touch potential in the stair area are within the limit.
The first thought I have is, grounding is not required, considering this staircase very similar to what we can have at our house.
Second, I am thinking of metal handrail and within the substation, high potential zone. So grounding is required.

I just want to have experts' opinions, to make sure I am heading in the right direction.
appreciate any feedback.

 

[che12345]

Dear Mr. veegrid
Q. " ... do I need to ground this handrail? The step and touch potential... are within the limit. The first thought ... grounding is not required, considering this staircase very similar to what we can have at our house...."
A. a) I agreed with your first though i.e. " grounding is not required ".
My thought is, there is (no foreseeable reasons) for the handrail to be [charged up permanently to a potential >50V]; which may cause electrical hazard to human. Therefore, grounding it is NOT required.
b) Yes, I agreed with you that it is " very similar to what we can have at our house..." i.e. it is NOT required to [earth] the metallic window frame, furniture with metallic frame, metallic door knobs and metallic latches etc., on the wooden doors of the sub-station...
Have a nice day and sleep well.
Che Kuan Yau (Singapore)

 

[7anoter4]

See:
NEC 250.104 Bonding of Piping Systems and Exposed Structural Metal

 

[che12345]

Dear All,
Q. "... do I need to ground this handrail? The step and touch potential in the stair area are ..."
A. Referring to the learned advice by Mr. 7anoter4 : See: NEC 250.104 Bonding of Piping Systems and Exposed Structural Metal.
The NEC 250.104 Bonding of piping systems and exposed structural steel (a) (1) to (4) , (b), (c) and (d) do not cover [grounding of out-door stand-alone handrails]. Therefore, it is irrelevant to the question asked.
Che Kuan Yau (Singapore)