Can a 10' stick of RMC be used as a grounding electrode?

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zappy

zappy

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CA.
Went to give a estimate for a service upgrade, saw what looks like a stick of rigid driven in the ground. Wondering if that is code? Thank you for your help.
 
Yes, RMC can be used as a pipe electrode (not to confused with a water pipe electrode) just like a ground rod. Take a look at 250.52(A)(5).
 
I hope you aren't planning to use that RMC? Also why are u assuming its 10feet, it could be 3 ft. Then question becomes-is it rated for DB. Just my .0001%
 
iwire said:
Does it have to be?

I see no such requirement in 250.
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Never said it was!! But, who’s to say the conduit is to standard. I’m sure most RMC "today" has the zinc coating, or suitable for DB installs. Just saying, “why trust it!”
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Because the code says you can and because ground rods are next to worthless no matter what they are made out of.
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And ground rods don't last forever either. The non copper ones, depending on soil conditions, have a life expectancy of 20-25 years. I bet the galvinized rod does also. BTW-- It must be 3/4" rmc or larger
 
resistance said:
Never said it was!! But, who?s to say the conduit is to standard. I?m sure most RMC "today" has the zinc coating, or suitable for DB installs. Just saying, ?why trust it!?
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It does not even have to be RMC, but it does need to be galvanized.

(5) Rod and Pipe Electrodes. Rod and pipe electrodes
shall not be less than 2.44 m (8 ft) in length and shall
consist of the following materials.

(a) Grounding electrodes of pipe or conduit shall not
be smaller than metric designator 21 (trade size 3⁄4) and,
where of steel, shall have the outer surface galvanized or
otherwise metal-coated for corrosion protection.
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I am wondering why 3/4" copper pipe is OK to be used as an electrode. Just a stick of 3/4" pipe not the water supply.

Or how about a stick of 3/4" EMT?
 
edward said:
I am wondering why 3/4" copper pipe is OK to be used as an electrode. Just a stick of 3/4" pipe not the water supply.

Or how about a stick of 3/4" EMT?
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Most copper is tubing and not pipe and would not be permitted as a grounding electrode. The same for EMT...it is not conduit or pipe, it is tubing. This comment only applies to the provisions of 250.52(A)(5)
 
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