w.fune
Member
- Location
- mccook, NE
when is it required to install a ground rod for each light pole in a parking lot??
groundrod for lighting pole
- Thread starter w.fune
- Start date
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mike7330
Senior Member
- Location
- North America
never. not a required code, unless its called for in the plans
You might want to read the definition of "Structure" in article 100 and then read 250.32 before you say never.
Roger
zbang
Senior Member
- Location
- Roughly 5346 miles from Earls Court
Also, do not confuse a grounding electrode requirement with an equipment grounding conductor requirement. (Search the grounding & bonding forum for this sort of topic, you'll find more discussion.)
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Roger brings up an interesting point if the "structure" is served by more than one circuit.
ksmith846
Senior Member
- Location
- Port St Lucie, Florida
That's quite a stretch to consider a light pole structure...also does a 2 pole 208 volt circuit to a lightpole considered one or two circuits?
Not really, it meets the definition wording and an inspector would certainly have a strong point.
It is a single circuit, current is flowing in and out of each conductor to complete the circuit.
Roger
hillbilly1
Senior Member
- Location
- North Georgia mountains
- Occupation
- Owner/electrical contractor
I was about to bring up that dead horse, but I figured it had been beaten enough! :lol:
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
I disagree. Unless the pole appeared there from seed, it is usually considered a structure by the definition.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Not at all, and in addition to the other recommendations to look at the definition in Article 100 I will add this.
The NFPA must consider a light pole a structure as they saw a need for an exception to relive the disconnecting means requirements for light poles.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
Yes a light pole could be called a structure, and as we know every structure requires a disconnecting means per 225.32 However 225.32 EX 3 does not require a disconnecting means at each pole, so no disconnect, no ground rod.
- Location
- Massachusetts
The exception for the disconnecting means has nothing to do with the need for a ground rod.
Tom, as Bob points out, the disconnect exception is not tied to the need for a ground rod.
Roger
scotteng
Member
- Location
- Apollo Beach, FL
- Occupation
- Professional Engineer
I am of the opinion that ground rods at light poles:
1. Are not required by code (assuming this is an uninhabitable light pole served by a single circuit).
2. Do no added harm if installed.
3. May be benificial if installed by providing a low impedence path to ground in the event of a lightning strike.
1. Are not required by code (assuming this is an uninhabitable light pole served by a single circuit).
2. Do no added harm if installed.
3. May be benificial if installed by providing a low impedence path to ground in the event of a lightning strike.
Gentlemen, the only reason for a ground rod at a light pole would be for lightning protection. I is not required by the NEC. If installed it won't hurt anything; but I don't know why anyone would want to spend all that extra money. It might be in the job specifications.
Where some electricians get into trouble is when they think they can drive a ground rod at the pole in place of running the equipment grounding conductor with the circuit conductors. This is dangerous and is a serious code violation.
Where some electricians get into trouble is when they think they can drive a ground rod at the pole in place of running the equipment grounding conductor with the circuit conductors. This is dangerous and is a serious code violation.
Bow, the reason for the ground rod is not in question and I will say again, read the definition of "Structure". An inspector could very easily require one at every pole, pedastal, porta john, (if fed with power) etc... and you would have a losing argument convincing him it is not required.
Roger
Roger
jumper
Senior Member
- Location
- 3 Hr 2 Min from Winged Horses
Agreed.
mike7330
Senior Member
- Location
- North America
LOL.... look at the hornet's nest I started by saying never.
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