[clayboyrat]

Well I know its code in Florida to ground the copper with an electric water heater. A Friend of mind didn't get a CO to move in till he had one put in his new house. This has Tobe grounded to the ground rod not the box. We try to ground it to the box and failed again. Its a plus I would think if the heating coil goes bad even though the unit is grounded . It maybe that the state has the most lighting strikes.Not sure but, I know you need it there for some reason.I live in Ohio now and I don't know if this house is grounded that way or not. I know its not right by the water heater.