$500.00 ground rod

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Whether George meant 2500 ohms or not, (I think he did) the truth is an inspector could not red tag the installation unless he / she is using something besides the NEC to for their basis.

Roger
 
Okay, I've decided to go on the hunt. here are some of Mike's paper's on the issue

Found it! Click here for 25 ohm story

Let's park the arguement that 25 ohms is the end all to be all. Current still gets people killed all the time and a ground rod is yet to trip an OCPD. It's about lightning protection for the most part. If in doubt go here.
 
George, Bob, Roger, Thanks for help in links!

Bulldog, these people here are really not taking a side against you, we're trying to get you "outside the box thinking" for critcal thinking and evaluations. There is quite a bit of reading at the available links provided. I can't speak for everyone, but bet that this is the general concensus here, it's not about who's right, it's about what's right, and I happen to agree with them a good percentage of the time. Reason being is the amount of time that they put into reasearch of the industry in various fields of electrical theory and current thought.
 
Rockyd said:
George, Bob, Roger, Thanks for help in links!

Bulldog, these people here are really not taking a side against you, we're trying to get you "outside the box thinking" for critcal thinking and evaluations. There is quite a bit of reading at the available links provided. I can't speak for everyone, but bet that this is the general concensus here, it's not about who's right, it's about what's right, and I happen to agree with them a good percentage of the time. Reason being is the amount of time that they put into reasearch of the industry in various fields of electrical theory and current thought.
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My take on this thread (and many others like it) is that it gets confusing when people are talking about multiple things at once. In this case there are (at least) two totally separate issues:

1) What does the NEC require?
2) What should the NEC require (i.e. 2011 proposals)?

One can't have a rational conversation about #2 without first establishing #1.

Bulldog -- I have about 10 minutes of experience in this area when compared to most of the rest on this forum, but I don't see how #1 could be any more clear. One is free to drive as many rods as they like, but two is sufficient per Code (efficacy is another matter) regardless of the measured resistance. Roger's post highlights it nicely.

Otherwise, what would be the point of the 6' rule?

Someone can disagree as to whether this is safe, advisable, etc. if they wish -- but the NEC requirement is there in plain English... which is more than can be said for some other sections! :)

I'd place a large wager that a simple yes/no poll of this forum "do you measure resistance after driving your first ground rod?" would (conservatively) yield 90%+ answering "no".
 
Bulldog1401 said:
I interpet that the one additional electrode had better be able to supply 25 ohms to ground, so you are required to use at least one more, multiple if you choose, but if you only choose one style it is O.K. Then just make sure it is effective. Don't just say good enough, and walk away.
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The text in the NEC does indeed say that, if you don't acheive 25 ohms or less with one rod, then you need to drive one more. It does not say that you must acheive 25 ohms or less with the additional rod(s).

If you interpret it to say that it does say you must acheive 25 ohms or less regardless, then that is not a problem for anyone else, its just one of those things where you can spend more than you have to.

There are products available to treat the soil in the immediate location of the electrode to achieve this reading.
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Yes, there are, but most of the effect is temporary. If you believe that the need for a low-impedance electrode system is important, then surely you agree that the need goes beyond simply passing inspection.

I see after reading the code making panels actions provided by Mr. Stoltz that there is confusion all the way up the line on the requirements. Time to overhaul this section.
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While we are all entitled to our opinions, it's unfair to say that the vast majority is confused because they don't agree with your interpretation. How can the author(s) of a rule be wrong, if their work is the rule?
 
Congratulations on the 5 star thread gentlemen.

Side note: Do I have to slit both wrists or just one?
 
stickboy1375 said:
Best part is this thread didn't even accomplish anything...
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... like discussions about religon, politics, etc.

If the goal is to change the opinion of the other person, it's a lost cause from the get-go.
 
LarryFine said:
... like discussions about religon, politics, etc.

If the goal is to change the opinion of the other person, it's a lost cause from the get-go.
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I know Larry, It just seems the simplest code questions end up being the longest threads...
 
stickboy1375 said:
Best part is this thread didn't even accomplish anything...
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Yes, it did. If you drive a 4 ft ground rod here in NC,boy,and you get caught it will cost you $500.00:grin: :grin: :grin:
 
stickboy1375 said:
I know Larry, It just seems the simplest code questions end up being the longest threads...
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You mean like "should the ground terminal on a receptal be up or down"?

Or should the screw in the plate be vert. or horizontal?

:grin: :grin: :grin: :smile: :grin: :grin: :grin:​
 
Dennis Alwon said:
You mean like "should the ground terminal on a receptal be up or down"?

Or should the screw in the plate be vert. or horizontal?

:grin: :grin: :grin: :smile: :grin: :grin: :grin:​
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Or, 3-way switches all down the load is off? :grin:
 
ceb said:
Yes, it did. If you drive a 4 ft ground rod here in NC,boy,and you get caught it will cost you $500.00:grin: :grin: :grin:
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Yeah, and that's a fact.:grin:

Hello Curtis :)

Roger
 
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