Had to replace drainhose on my Dishwasher, and while I was behind the kickboard under the sink - which sits between the dishwasher and fridge - I found an earth-wire. One end was free, the other end disappeared behind the plaster panelling (modern house) and seemed to be attached - to what, I've no idea. The free-end looked as though it had never been attached to anything as it ended in a clean cut ie. copper core was not exposed.
Question:
For safety sake, should I simply connect this free end to the cold water pipe under the sink? ( - I'm guessing that was what the Sparky forgot to do when buidling the kitchen?). Am I likely to cause any electrical hazard in so doing? Or should I just leave/ignore it?
Any guidance appreciated from a qualified/experienced Electrician who KNOWS the correct answer! ;-)

Big-D, Edinburgh, February 2013

You never have to many earth/ground connection. Just connect that whire to some metal pipe.

Electro, February 2013

spot on peccavi,the sink must be earthed if its old wiring,but,if its a 17 edit comsumer unit fitted then there is no need,(i would earth it anyway )old habits die hard

mm, February 2013

I am neither qualified or experienced but I know the correct answer - and you know the correct answer too.

It's an EARTH wire - the unseen end will go to something that is already earthed or something that needs to be earthed - if you connect it to a pipe you will create no hazard and you might prevent one.

It's not exactly rocket science.

Peccavi, February 2013