Light Pole Grounding Conductor

[mstrlucky74]

Would this be a bare conductor or insulated? Thinking some of it would be exposed to the earth? Thanks.

 

[jumper]

Diagram too small to see which wire you are referring to.

Assuming a copper conductor the EGC or GEC may be insulated or bare. Both are allowed.

 

[petersonra]

why do you need a ground rod for a light pole anyway?

 

[jumper]

why do you need a ground rod for a light pole anyway?

Warm and fuzzy feeling.

J/K. Apparently many designers/EE/architects are putting them in specs nowadays. Why, who knows?

 

[ActionDave]

Warm and fuzzy feeling.

J?K. Apparently many designers/EE/architects are putting them in specs nowadays. Why, who knows?

Dirt worshipers are a zealous bunch.

 

[jumper]

Dirt worshipers are a zealous bunch.

I asked about this awhile back, members said it is a common boilplate spec. Did not used to be, I never installed any rods at pole lights in yesteryears.

 

[ActionDave]

I asked about this awhile back, members said it is a common boilplate spec. Did not used to be, I never installed any rods at pole lights in yesteryears.

I think it's a combination of things. Utility company light poles traditionally required a ground rod so I think a lot of folks carried that tradition on for everything, then there are those who are not dirt worshipers but don't want to be called anti dirt so they spec a ground rod anyway.

 

[petersonra]

I asked about this awhile back, members said it is a common boilplate spec. Did not used to be, I never installed any rods at pole lights in yesteryears.

neither have I. But I don't install light poles either.

 

[charlie b]

I have seen this requirement in the occasional government spec. I think it is to prevent a travesty. Note, I did not say prevent a tragedy, as it cannot do that. But if a person is shocked while touching a light pole, and the investigation reveals that the electrician "failed" to install a "proper" ground rod, the resulting legal ramifications would amount to a travesty.

I once received a comment on a government project to the effect that I needed to add a ground rod at a light pole. I asked the commenter why, stating that it would serve no purpose and absolutely could not prevent a person from receiving a shock. His response: "I know. But I want one anyway."

 

[electrofelon]

Dirt worshipping troglodytes!

 

[cdslotz]

I asked about this awhile back, members said it is a common boilplate spec. Did not used to be, I never installed any rods at pole lights in yesteryears.

I've installed thousands of poles in my career....I've never seen a spec that doesn't require one

 

[midamericairon]

I've been told it's mainly for lightning protection.

 

[jeremysterling]

A GC asked my employer to tidy up a multi-family site lighting after the EC left town. My PM told me to install ground rods for fifty non-metallic direct burial poles as required by a municipal ordinance for light poles. Luckily, the original EC returned and I departed.