250.130(C)

[jemsvcs]

When extending an existing branch circuit that does not have an equipment grounding conductor...code says to follow 250.130(C).

Does 250.130(C)(1) imply that I can attach the grounding electrode conductor from the new section of the circuit at the closest location on the building's water piping system? Or would it have to be attached only on the first 5 feet at the point of entrance per 250.52(A)(1)?

Keep in mind i'm not refering to the grounding electrode conductor...i'm talking about equipment grounding conductors as referenced in 250.130. So in this instance I might be bonding the equipment grounding conductor from the branch circuit extension to a water pipe greater than 5 feet from the point of entrance. Is this allowed or not?

Thanks in advance...

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: 250.130(C)

The exposed interior water piping is not part of the grounding electrode system. The interior mental water pipe between its point of entrance to the building and the connection of the grounding electrode conductor is part of the grounding electrode conductor. The only permitted connection point for an EGC installed per 250.130(C)(1) would be between the pipe's point of entrance and the point where the GEC is connected to the water pipe.
Don

 

[tonyi]

Re: 250.130(C)

IMO any pipe past the GEC connection isn't performing any grounding function, so it would be hard to say its part of the GES.

As a practical matter, and to eliminate confusion, I'd try to tap onto the GEC somewhere so future plumbing mods have less chance of ruining this gnd if plastic or a dialectric union is put in somewhere.

 

[eprice]

Re: 250.130(C)

I agree with what Don said. With respect to the water piping system, the grounding electrode is the 10' or more length of pipe in contact with the earth, and the pipe between that electrode and the GEC connection (which must be within 5' of the pipe's entrance into the building) is part of the GEC. Any pipe beyond that GEC connection is neither part of the grounding electrode system, nor part of the GEC, therefore it would not be one of the 5 acceptable locations listed in 250.130(C).