5' rule for water pipe as Grounding Electrode

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cyado1607

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I have a question that may seem kinda stupid but here it goes....

When looking at the one line diagram for the grounding details for a service they always include the water, steel, and so forth. Does this mean that this is a grounding electrode or does this mean that the following items need to be "bonded."

Difference obviously is one has to be attached within 5' where the other is any place that is accessable.

Thanks
 
cyado1607 said:
I have a question that may seem kinda stupid but here it goes....

When looking at the one line diagram for the grounding details for a service they always include the water, steel, and so forth. Does this mean that this is a grounding electrode or does this mean that the following items need to be "bonded."

Difference obviously is one has to be attached within 5' where the other is any place that is accessable.

Thanks
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Maybe yes and maybe no. If the water line is in contact with the earth for 10 feet or more than it is an electrode (art. 250.52). If there is plastic pipe entering the building then the pipe is not an electrode but it still must be bonded. In the latter case you can bond it anywhere.
 
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If the water pipe is not being used for a GEC you can size your wire for the bond off of 250.122 rite?

And how do you size the bond wire for the gas pipe?
 
If the water piping comes in as plastic pipe then turns over to copper, why would you have to size the bonding jumper according to 250.66?

At our company we do always run a 4 awg to the water pipe an the gas line. Even when the water line comes in as plastic. I just dont see how it is required to do this. I work in wisconson and we are already required to use 2 ground rods. So wouldnt that already meet all the requirements need for grounding electrodes.
 
rustyryan34 said:
If the water piping comes in as plastic pipe then turns over to copper, why would you have to size the bonding jumper according to 250.66?
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To comply with the last sentence of 250.104(A)(1).

At our company we do always run a 4 awg to the water pipe an the gas line.
Click to expand...

250.104(B) allows the EGC of the appliances connected to the gas line to bond the gas lines.




I work in Wisconsin and we are already required to use 2 ground rods. So wouldn't that already meet all the requirements need for grounding electrodes.
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Even if you install 2 rods you still have to use any other existing electrodes per 250.50
 
iwire said:
To comply with the last sentence of 250.104(A)(1).
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Thank you I understand now.


250.104(B) allows the EGC of the appliances connected to the gas line to bond the gas lines.

The inspectors here makes us bond our gas lines with a 6 awg or 4 awg and they want it within 5' of where the gas line come in.
 
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rustyryan34 said:
iwire said:
To comply with the last sentence of 250.104(A)(1).
Click to expand...

Thank you I understand now.


250.104(B) allows the EGC of the appliances connected to the gas line to bond the gas lines.

The inspectors here makes us bond our gas lines with a 6 awg or 4 awg and they want it within 5' of where the gas line come in.
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Is this black iron pipe, or the CSST? (corrigated stainless)
 
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rustyryan34 said:
The inspectors here makes us bond our gas lines with a 6 awg or 4 awg and they want it within 5' of where the gas line come in.
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That is unfortunate as they NEC does not require that.
 
rustyryan34 said:
If the water piping comes in as plastic pipe then turns over to copper, why would you have to size the bonding jumper according to 250.66?

.
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To clear a fault in case the water pipe becomes energized.
 
tom baker said:
To clear a fault in case the water pipe becomes energized.
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Yes i am asking why 250.66 and not 250.122, why do I need a 4 awg ground to the water pipe, what is the most current that will ever be on the water line, either from an electric water heater or a water pump and that should be cleared by the equipment ground that feeds them.
 
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