Cu water line/ GEC connection

[nizak]

I have a service disconnect located on the house exterior. At that point there are 2 driven ground rods from the disconnect.

At the opposite end of the house ( 160’ there is a 1” Cu underground water line coming into the basement.

With that Cu water line being present does it need to be connected to the GE system?

Thanks

 

[infinity]

With that Cu water line being present does it need to be connected to the GE system?

If it qualifies as an electrode then you must need to connect it to the GES.

 

[tom baker]

Yes.
if the cu line qualifies as a grounding electrode then it’s bonded within 5 ft of entry and also to GES
If not then it can bonded on any accessible location.
You would be fortunate if the cu changes to plastic outside basement to save a long run of s GEC

 

[Greentagger]

250.50, 250.52(A)(1), and 250.68(C)(1) apply to your installation.

 

[LarryFine]

if the cu line qualifies as a grounding electrode then it’s bonded within 5 ft of entry and also to GES
If not then it can bonded on any accessible location.

I once had an interesting discussion with an inspector about this during a residential upgrade.

If we can not prove whether an existing water supply qualifies, do we treat it like it does or doesn't?

 

[Greentagger]

I once had an interesting discussion with an inspector about this during a residential upgrade.

If we can not prove whether an existing water supply qualifies, do we treat it like it does or doesn't?

Was it used as electrode previously and part of GES? That might be a good indicator. Other than that , might be hard to prove. If older and see metal pipe coming up from grade , good possibility. Why chance it? Piece of #4 or #6 cheap insurance. The very least you’ve now done is bonded interior metal piping.

 

[electrofelon]

.

At the opposite end of the house ( 160’ there is a 1” Cu underground water line coming into the basement.

Doesn't it always seem like the water line is on the opposite end of the house as the electoral service?

 

[LarryFine]

Was it used as electrode previously and part of GES? That might be a good indicator.

Let's say the original water-pipe connection was near the panel.

Other than that , might be hard to prove. If older and see metal pipe coming up from grade , good possibility.

Can we rely on it to be an effective electrode; or, must we?

Why chance it? Piece of #4 or #6 cheap insurance. The very least you’ve now done is bonded interior metal piping.

Agreed, but it was bonded nearby before the rules changed.

 

[letgomywago]

Doesn't it always seem like the water line is on the opposite end of the house as the electoral service?

Ya but the garage addition seams to he on the panel and meter side so I like driving my rods on on the water bond side and hitting all with 1 wire.

 

[Doc13067]

Use #2 aluminum and do it.

 

[letgomywago]

Use #2 aluminum and do it.

That works but you need a nuetral lug kit sometimes then depending on what the panel or metermain comes with.