ground rods to be in wet location?

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sguinn

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Blue Ridge, Ga
Previous inspector always made us drive ground rods in a location where they would get wet when it rained, i.e. if the meterbase was underneath a deck or porch with clearance underneath, we would have to run the g.e.c. to the outside of the deck where it would get wet, or if it was on the side of a house, we would have to make sure that the ground rod was at least past the edge of the eaves of the house. Can't find anything in codebook regarding wet locations for ground rods. Please advise.:smile:
 
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Sounds like someone who does not have a clue about grounding making innovative interpretations. There is no section of the code that they could possibly reference for this "violation". As always, when given requirements like this, say respectfully - "For my education, please show me the section of the code that I am violating". Be prepared for a dumb look...
Just when you think you have heard it all.....
 
Can't find anything in codebook regarding wet locations for ground rods. just effective ground fault current path. Please advise.
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There is no requirement for a ground rod to be installed in a "wet location".

I would also like to add that a grounding electrode can't be used for an effective ground fault current path.

Here is what 250.4(A)(5) says:

Effective Ground-Fault Current Path. Electrical equipment and wiring and other electrically conductive material likely to become energized shall be installed in a manner that creates a low-impedance circuit facilitating the operation of the overcurrent device or ground detector for high-impedance grounded systems. It shall be capable of safely carrying the maximum ground-fault current likely to be imposed on it from any point on the wiring system where a ground fault may occur to the electrical supply source. The earth shall not be considered as an effective ground-fault current path.

Chris
 
Maybe there is a reason he is a "previous" inspector.

You may want to show the misinformed inspector this little section.

250.53 A

No I'm not typing the whole thing. :grin:
 
I would tell the inspector that the supply house was out of ground rods approved for "wet locations" and that is why it was placed where it is. See what kind of dumb look he gives you then. Better yet tell them the building moved after you set the rods and if he had gotten out there quicker, they would have been in the right place. I love to pull practical jokes and can take them as well as give them. I remember when I told an electrician that my tic-tracer was a code sniffer and it detected a violation. Had a grand time going down the wall hitting the button to make it beep. He thought the whole job was going to get refused. He was releived when I told him he was had.
 
haskindm said:
Sounds like someone who does not have a clue about grounding making innovative interpretations. am violating". Be prepared for a dumb look...
Just when you think you have heard it all.....
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As I've said before we used to call it "super-secret-squirrel code", only the inspector and the squirrels knew about it.;)
 
I agree with the fact that the NEC does not require the rod to be a wet location however, the resistance changes based on the moisture in the soil surrounding it. Wet soil is better than dry soil but the NEC is silent on that issue.
 
You know it can't hurt, BUT moisture content in a specific area say like a 1/3 of an acre plot for a house, on average I doubt there is little difference. Next time tell him on the last house you tried driving them in the lake but they kept falling over making conductor attachment difficult.


Oh, the rules we (THEY) try to make.
 
All the man said was put it in a wet location, anywhere outside is a wet

location, maybe the rest of the story was an assumption??
 
benaround said:
All the man said was put it in a wet location, anywhere outside is a wet

location, maybe the rest of the story was an assumption??
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Ask one simple question:
"If this isn't a wet location, why do I need in-use covers for the receptacles out here?"
 
ItsHot said:
Something tells me that you have used that one before!
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Hey, I don't mind inspectors telling me I need to do something, but they need to be able to back it up.

"If I'm wrong, I'm wrong,: I tell them, "but learn me something!
 
I think something in the beginning of the 250's says about the fact that you need to drive your rods below the permanent moisture level anyhow, if you can. From that, I'd say that the code advises almost the opposite of what this inspector was suggesting.

EDIT.... 250.53(A)
 
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dmplec said:
You said previous inspector. Where is he/she now?
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He is gone. Now I am here. I want to stay, so no made up code and treat everyone the same. Used to be the "good ol' boy "system here, but no more, everyone on same level, right is right and wrong needs to be fixed.
 
Be fair.
Be consistent.
Be willing to admit you are wrong.
Stand by your guns when you are right.
No favors.
read and educate yourself and others.
If you are not sure it is no biggy, tell them you are unsure of the answer and get the answers.
 
brian john said:
Be fair.
Be consistent.
Be willing to admit you are wrong.
Stand by your guns when you are right.
No favors.
read and educate yourself and others.
If you are not sure it is no biggy, tell them you are unsure of the answer and get the answers.
Click to expand...


Thanks Brian, I try to do all those things, especially the read and educate part, the day I stop learning will probably be the day I die.;)
 
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