Bare 500 mcm

[Alwayslearningelec]

There is a note on the drawing that says to run this from the ground bar to the ground rod outside the building. It does not mention conduit anywhere but this can't be run bare outside. What should this be run in? PVC?? THanks.

 

[augie47]

No Code violation to run it bare.
Copper thieves prefer that.
Most folks put it in PVC

 

[jumper]

Unless it is " subject to physical damage where exposed", why cannot it be run bare?
250.64
(B) Securing and Protection Against Physical Damage.
Where exposed, a grounding electrode conductor or its enclosure
shall be securely fastened to the surface on which it
is carried. A 4 AWG or larger copper or aluminum grounding
electrode conductor shall be protected where exposed to
physical damage.

 

[iwire]

They are asking for a 500 copper to a ground rod?


God bless the engineers ..... they make us so much money. :grin:

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Well, if it is being run outside to the ground rod I ssumed it will be in the "dirt" and that bare copper could not be run like that.

 

[jumper]

Well, if it is being run outside to the ground rod I ssumed it will be in the "dirt" and that bare copper could not be run like that.

Why? Copper is fine it dirt. Think water lines.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

They are asking for a 500 copper to a ground rod?


God bless the engineers ..... they make us so much money. :grin:

Yeah, I know but yes they are.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Why? Copper is fine it dirt. Think water lines.

Thanks a lot!! One other question. How is this usually supported indoors. THanks.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Thanks a lot!! One other question. How is this usually supported indoors. THanks.

They make small one hole straps that work well. A 500 mcm probably could use a 1/2" strap. You do realize that #6 is all that is needed to a rod.

 

[augie47]

Well, if it is being run outside to the ground rod I ssumed it will be in the "dirt" and that bare copper could not be run like that.

Such a rule sure would mess up a lot of ground rings :grin:

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

They make small one hole straps that work well. A 500 mcm probably could use a 1/2" strap. You do realize that #6 is all that is needed to a rod.

Yes but they specifically call for 500mcm and in many locations it says the same think.

 

[infinity]

Some engineers are great at wasting other people's money. :roll:

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Some engineers are great at wasting other people's money. :roll:

So you don't think there is a logical reason for the 500mcm to the ground rods?

 

[jumper]

So you don't think there is a logical reason for the 500mcm to the ground rods?

Nope, but if an EE specs it, I will install it.

 

[ptonsparky]

Had to ground & bond a telephone building back in the late 70s. Big circuit boards all over the place. We hung BA cu all over the place to bond everything. When I brought it to the engineers attention that they had multiple neutral bonds in the building with many of the EG receptacle terminals jumped to the neutral at the devices, they just looked at me blankly. Ok. My job was to bond, so we did.

I wonder how many desktops now take the place of those two floors of boards.

 

[infinity]

So you don't think there is a logical reason for the 500mcm to the ground rods?

No, with the exception of the one in post #12.

 

[Cow]

Don't tell me they actually make a ground rod clamp that'll take 500...?

Crazy!

 

[sameguy]

Cadweld

 

[iwire]

I bet 6' of bare 500 copper provides more surface area in contact with the earth than the 8' rod it will be attached too ...

 

[sameguy]

If I recall a rod is only good for 100 amps any how.
The FAA did make us run 500mcm 9 stories in a control tower to bond the cable tray one time; little over kill I thought.