Bonding and grounding receiving container to still

[RodneyAdrain]

Background:    It might be assumed that an electric heated still would be grounded within the electrical panel box.  A recent still purchase recommends the still be static grounded to the concrete.  I have discussed this with multiple electricians without a straight forward answer.  So if you do a search you are taken into a big body of information on static grounding or bonding of containers.  Obviously to prevent a fire/explosion.  These rules are applied to transfer of many flammable liquids.

Question:   Are these rules of bonding and static grounding applied in micro-distillery?  Do you bond your collection container to the still assuming a metal container or anything that can cause a static spark? If this is already answered in some other question please direct me. Thanks in advance. Rodney

[Tradesman Spirits]

I have a grounding bar in my distillery that I ground equipment to when needed. My still is grounded to it as well.

[FijiSpirits]

I’ve always used GFI protection for the elements with a good ground/earth to the electrical supply box. 
 

secondly I will run a dedicated earth wire ONLY for the still body itself. I’ve had issues with stray voltage (even with gfi) in the past which is why I do this now. 
 

as for collection container I use no grounding/earthing of any kind.  I kinda feel that a distillery production floor is just not a place where static can be formed easily.   You are always either touching the floor or something that is grounded anyway. 
 

I will try to keep switches and spark creating devices like fans away from areas where explosive atmospheres can be. I actually keep a floor fan running to prevent/control gas buildup even if they might be a source of ignition technically. 
 

my rule of thumb is that I won’t turn anything electrical on or off if there is a hazard. 

[Skaalvenn]

11 minutes ago, FijiSpirits said:

  I kinda feel that a distillery production floor is just not a place where static can be formed easily.  

In the cold and dry climates static is a rather large concern and can form very easily.