Fire Sprinkler Grounding Electrode

[Brandon Loyd]

I recently found the main service at facility with a ground electrode attached to the fire sprinker system. I am told this is not code legal, but can't find anything saying it is not allowed. Can someone point me in the right direction?

 

[dkidd]

Check out this thread http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=99094&highlight=sprinkler+pipe

 

[Brandon Loyd]

So there is no code reference in the NEC for this?

 

[tom baker]

Other than 250.52(A)(1), no.

 

[PEDRO ESCOVILLA]

correct, you can't use it as a grounding electrode,(i've seen it done prior to any internal fittings, ahead of all valves,, etc where it enters the building) but , it is metal water piping in the building. it must be bonded

 

[PEDRO ESCOVILLA]

there might be something in nfpa 13 about it.

 

[RICK NAPIER]

2007 NFPA 13 article 10.6.8 In no case shall the underground piping be used as a grounding electrode for the electrical system. This does not preclude the bonding of the underground piping to the lightning protection grounding system as required by NFPA 780 in those cases where lightning protection is provided for the structure.

I don't think there are any other references in NFPA 13 and bonding would be rquired by NFPA 70 article 250.104.