What is the recommended practice to minimize static electricity when connecting hoses and fittings?

• A. Keep hoses fully disconnected to prevent static buildup.
• B. Avoid bonding and grounding because propane is non-conductive.
• C. Use non-conductive hoses only.
• D. Bond and ground the system, use conductive hoses, and minimize movement that generates static.

Answer: (D)

Static electricity can build up when fluids move through hoses and fittings, and in a propane system a spark could ignite any flammable vapor. The safest approach is to create a continuous path for static charges to flow to earth and to reduce ways the charges can build up. Bonding and grounding the system provides that discharge path, conductive hoses help ensure charges don’t accumulate on insulating surfaces, and minimizing movement reduces friction and charge generation. Together, these steps significantly lower the risk of a dangerous spark during connections. Keeping hoses disconnected, avoiding bonding, or using non-conductive hoses alone would remove the discharge path or trap charges, increasing ignition risk.