Can a grounding electrode be oversized

[cdcengineer]

Question came up today whether a grounding electrode could be oversized. I said "No". They aregued that it must be sized be 250.66. I don't see anywhere in the NEC which says 250.66 is a maximum size.

We had some #2 bare copper which I proposed we use a grounding electrode for a small 30kVA xfmr which had #1 AWG secondary ungrounded conductors.

Anyone care to weigh in?

Thanks

 

[ptonsparky]

Grounding Electrode Conductors - Yes they can be "oversized" if they do not fit into the lugs you are using or they break the budget, otherwise have at it. IMO.

 

[infinity]

T250.66 lists the minimum sizes required.

250.66 Size of Alternating-Current Grounding Elec-
trode Conductor. The size of the grounding electrode con-
ductor at the service, at each building or structure where
supplied by a feeder(s) or branch circuit(s), or at a sepa-
rately derived system of a grounded or ungrounded ac sys-
tem shall not be less than given in Table 250.66, except as
permitted in 250.66(A) through (C).

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I agree with everyone. There is nothing that would limit the size of the grounding electrode conductor other than practical reasons.

 

[cdcengineer]

Agreed - it's a minimum, nowhere does it say that it can't be larger.

Thanks to all