Grounding Electrode Conductor

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coxelectric

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Under article 250-66 A if the only source of grounding is a driven ground rod on a residential 200 amp service with 2/0CU entrance conductors can the can the wire to the ground rod be a #6solcu conducter
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

Is it protected from physical damage?

[ October 11, 2005, 04:40 PM: Message edited by: petersonra ]
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

It doesn't necessarily have to be protected.

What is the definition of "exposure to physical damage"?

Who or what entity makes this definition to cover all areas that use the NEC? ;)


Roger
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

It doesn't necessarily have to be protected.

What is the definition of "exposure to physical damage"?
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Yes Roger, after thinking about it I would agree with you. But I'm sure someone will argue that the #6 conductor extending out to the rods isn't run along the building finish. BTW, #6 to the rods is standard here. Never had a inspector question it in 20+ years.
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

Originally posted by infinity:
BTW, #6 to the rods is standard here. Never had a inspector question it in 20+ years.
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That's good, because the NEC allows it. :D We have our fair share of inspectors in my neck of the woods who would question it.
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

In my area, the "protection issue" is usually solved with a short piece of PVC. There are still those who use EMT and don't bond both ends, but that's another story. Although there may be problems finding PVC nowadays with which to protect the GEC. :eek:
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

If your only source of grounding this 200 ampere residental service,is this one single driven electrode..

You'll need to size the grounding electrode conductor, in Table 250.66

*It will be 4AWG to this driven electrode,not 6AWG in size..
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

Originally posted by dillon3c:
If your only source of grounding this 200 ampere residential service,is this one single driven electrode..

You'll need to size the grounding electrode conductor, in Table 250.66

*It will be 4AWG to this driven electrode,not 6AWG in size..
Click to expand...
You could run 4 AWG but you do not have to.

It could be a 4000 amp service the largest required conductor to a ground rod is 6 AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum.

Take a look at 250.66(A) :)
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

Bob,

I read it, and I can't argue with you. Everything I've been taught has told me you size it according to table 250.66 when it is the only grounding electrode.

The engineer I work with at the marinas I do has me driving 2 3/4" x 10' ground rods for each service not more than 20' apart and running 4/0 cu. to them (800 amp S. phase). There are no footers, water is all plastic pipe, no metal (except the aluminum ramp which I bond). I guess I need to chat with him.
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

I'm sorry too bob..

This is the only grounding system present..

IMO..it's a common grounding electrode conductor..Table 250.66
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

That sounds like when we build transformer pads for the power company. They require four 10' x 3/4" rods around the perimeter all connected by 4/0 bare cu.
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

Originally posted by dillon3c:
I'm sorry too bob..

This is the only grounding system present..

IMO..it's a common grounding electrode conductor..Table 250.66
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Dillon I have no idea why you think it matters if it is the only electrode or part of a large number of electrodes. :confused:

The fact is a ground rod does not 'connect' to the earth enough to require larger than 6 AWG.
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

Originally posted by iwire:
That sounds like when we build transformer pads for the power company. They require four 10' x 3/4" rods around the perimeter all connected by 4/0 bare cu.
Click to expand...
But then they run a #6 down the pole. :roll: I don't understand how a pole mounted transformer is any different than a pad mount, and why they require such beefed up grounding for a pad mount. :confused:

[ October 12, 2005, 12:22 AM: Message edited by: peter d ]
 
Re: Grounding Electrode Conductor

You could have a 5000A 480V service, but yet you still only need to run a #6 to the ground rods.
 
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