Ground test well

[anbm]

Is ground test well really needed? Can ground resistance be measured at the ground bar or ground rod instead?
I walked different sites, some buildings I do see ground test well and some do not have one.

 

[tom baker]

Not by the NEC. Test well shows location of GR. Most I have seen are CAD weld connections. Perhaps the intent was to allow disconnecting the GEC for testing. Others may know.

 

[infinity]

The real question is will they ever be used when installed. We've installed many of them as per the drawings but IMO they'll never be used.

 

[tom baker]

I agree with infinity, they are installed per boiler plate spec. We used on traffic signal services to locate ground rods for ug work nearby

 

[infinity]

I agree with infinity, they are installed per boiler plate spec. We used on traffic signal services to locate ground rods for ug work nearby

The last big project where we installed them was a huge apartment complex. No one tested them when the building was constructed and I can assure you that no one will ever go back and test anything. And with good reason, testing would be a waste of time and money.

 

[tom baker]

I can see somewhat of a case for them at a data center or cell tower. But a ufer ground is way better.

 

[qcroanoke]

I can see somewhat of a case for them at a data center or cell tower. But a ufer ground is way better.

Cell tower sites have grounding out the wazoo. Lots of cadwelds.

 

[synchro]

Cell tower sites have grounding out the wazoo. Lots of cadwelds.

FAA Air Route Traffic Control Centers do too. Most of it for lightning protection.

 

[anbm]

The last big project where we installed them was a huge apartment complex. No one tested them when the building was constructed and I can assure you that no one will ever go back and test anything. And with good reason, testing would be a waste of time and money.

Where does it connect to? counterpoise?

 

[infinity]

Where does it connect to? counterpoise?

Yes, one of the 10' rods connected in a 3 rod triangle.

 

[anbm]

Yes, one of the 10' rods connected in a 3 rod triangle.

Then why can they not measure ground resistance at the ground rod where rod portion exposed above the ground?

 

[infinity]

Then why can they not measure ground resistance at the ground rod where rod portion exposed above the ground?

The test wells are in the floor of the basement. The rods are below the concrete floor.

 

[roger]

Like Rob, out of many test wells I installed, I would say not one was ever used