110.26 working space

[burgess179]

Hey guys,

first time posting on here so sorry if i post in the wrong thread. i have a generator going in a utility yard that will be wrapped around with a chain link fence. i have not been able to find anything specifically telling me if this fence would be considered a grounded part or not so I am not sure if it would be considered condition 1 or 2. i can move the generator enough to meet condition 2 which is probably what i will do anyways, i would just like to have the information for future use. the fence will not be embedded in concrete and will not have any electrical components touching it in any way. thanks in advance.

 

[augie47]

Fencing would normally require condition 2 requirements

 

[infinity]

Is a metal fence considered grounded if there is no connection to the electrical system? The definition of grounded is kind of loose.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Is a metal fence considered grounded if there is no connection to the electrical system? The definition of grounded is kind of loose.

Note 2 to Table 110.26(A)(1) tells us that "Concrete, brick, or tile walls shall be considered as grounded." Those are not typically connected to the electrical system.
I see a metal fence with supports in the earth as a grounded surface for this application.

 

[burgess179]

Note 2 to Table 110.26(A)(1) tells us that "Concrete, brick, or tile walls shall be considered as grounded." Those are not typically connected to the electrical system.
I see a metal fence with supports in the earth as a grounded surface for this application.

That was the one thing that was keeping me going back and forth. Even though it’s not technically connected to our grounding system it has a clean path to earth.

 

[burgess179]

but your concrete and brick could also be considered connected to your electrical system by way of building steel or ufer correct?

 

[infinity]

That was the one thing that was keeping me going back and forth. Even though it’s not technically connected to our grounding system it has a clean path to earth.

The Article 100 definition says:

Grounded (Grounding).
Connected (connecting) to ground or to a conductive body that extends the ground connection.

Ground. The earth.

The definition does not say what that connected or connecting actually is. Does a fence post having an 18" concrete base make it connected to earth? Ground rods need to be into the earth for at least 8' for them to be connected to the earth. A CEE needs to be an entire footing often dozens or hundreds of cubic foot of concrete to be connected to earth.

Having said all of that I think that it can be argued as Augie and Don stated that it is grounded. For clarity the NEC should add metallic fences with concrete bases to the list along with concrete, brick, and tile. And what about block walls are they considered grounded? This section need work. 250.4(A)(5) tell us about the effectiveness of the earth.

250.4(A)(5) Effective Ground-Fault Current Path.
Electrical equipment and wiring and other electrically conductive material likely to become energized shall be installed in a manner that creates a low-impedance circuit facilitating the operation of the overcurrent device or ground detector for high-impedance grounded systems. It shall be capable of safely carrying the maximum ground-fault current likely to be imposed on it from any point on the wiring system where a
ground fault may occur to the electrical supply source. The earth shall not be considered as an effective ground-fault current path.

 

[burgess179]

I appreciate the replies. This points me in the right direction. Thank yall

 

[don_resqcapt19]

but your concrete and brick could also be considered connected to your electrical system by way of building steel or ufer correct?

Not common for a block wall.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

If you don't think the fence is a grounded surface, try touching it and an ungrounded conductor at the same time...(not really)
Use a meter or a wiggy...it will be grounded enough to pull in the solenoid of a wiggy most of the time.

 

[infinity]

If you don't think the fence is a grounded surface, try touching it and an ungrounded conductor at the same time...(not really)
Use a meter or a wiggy...it will be grounded enough to pull in the solenoid of a wiggy most of the time.

I'm not disagreeing just that the NEC definition is weak becuase it lacks any input on what the connection has to be to be considered grounded. And why a block wall within a building which is connected directly to a concrete slab isn't on the list yet tile which is often installed over sheetrock is tells me that this section is very poorly written.

 

[Strathead]

Hey guys,

first time posting on here so sorry if i post in the wrong thread. i have a generator going in a utility yard that will be wrapped around with a chain link fence. i have not been able to find anything specifically telling me if this fence would be considered a grounded part or not so I am not sure if it would be considered condition 1 or 2. i can move the generator enough to meet condition 2 which is probably what i will do anyways, i would just like to have the information for future use. the fence will not be embedded in concrete and will not have any electrical components touching it in any way. thanks in advance.

I assume it is embedded in the earth though? I would 100% consider this as condition 2