Al for electrode conductor

[bgelectric]

Any reason I cant use AL xhhw for the grd wire between main disconnect or meter to the grd rods?

 

[jumper]

Any reason I cant use AL xhhw for the grd wire between main disconnect or meter to the grd rods?

Maybe:

250.64 Grounding Electrode Conductor Installation.
Grounding electrode conductors at the service, at each
building or structure where supplied by a feeder(s) or
branch circuit(s), or at a separately derived system shall be
installed as specified in 250.64(A) through (F)
.
(A) Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Bare aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding electrode
conductors shall not be used where in direct contact
with masonry or the earth or where subject to corrosive
conditions. Where used outside, aluminum or copper-clad
aluminum grounding electrode conductors shall not be terminated
within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth.

And the listing of the ground clamp.

 

[infinity]

You would need 10' rods to keep the Al 18" above the ground.

 

[bgelectric]

Looks like the nec says BARE shall not be used.
Looks Like I can use insulated.... exp xhhw...

 

[iwire]

Looks like the nec says BARE shall not be used.
Looks Like I can use insulated.... exp xhhw...

Unless it is outside.

250.64 Grounding Electrode Conductor Installation.
Grounding electrode conductors at the service, at each
building or structure where supplied by a feeder(s) or
branch circuit(s), or at a separately derived system shall be
installed as specified in 250.64(A) through (F)
.
(A) Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Bare aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding electrode
conductors shall not be used where in direct contact
with masonry or the earth or where subject to corrosive
conditions. Where used outside, aluminum or copper-clad
aluminum grounding electrode conductors shall not be terminated
within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth.

 

[petersonra]

Unless it is outside.

However there is no reason you could not tie a short tail of copper to it with an irreversible splice and put the copper end under ground.

personally, I am not sure you gain all that much cost wise for the typical GEC.

 

[infinity]

Is it really more costly when using a standard 8' and a simple #6 copper conductor vs. the jump through hoops use of #4 aluminum?

 

[GoldDigger]

Is it really more costly when using a standard 8' and a simple #6 copper conductor vs. the jump through hoops use of #4 aluminum?

If it is a really long wire, using Al reduces the chances of it being stolen. (CA viewpoint.)

 

[kwired]

Is it really more costly when using a standard 8' and a simple #6 copper conductor vs. the jump through hoops use of #4 aluminum?

and if you go from aluminum to copper at some point what does an irreversible connector cost that is listed for grounding? Can you find one that accepts copper and aluminum?

About all I have ever seen for grounding that is designed for aluminum is water pipe clamps that accept aluminum. Most everything else is bronze and accepts copper only.

 

[Cavie]

Some people just can't see the forest for the trees.