Grounding Electrode in Addition

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't think the code is clear on this. IMO, if there is an available CEE then I will use it simply because it is hundreds times better than rods. Now it has been argued if you are not working on the service then you are not required to use the CEE. I would check with the AHJ to be certain.

 

[infinity]

I don't think the code is clear on this. IMO, if there is an available CEE then I will use it simply because it is hundreds times better than rods. Now it has been argued if you are not working on the service then you are not required to use the CEE. I would check with the AHJ to be certain.

My take on this as well.

 

[mkgrady]

I don't think the code is clear on this. IMO, if there is an available CEE then I will use it simply because it is hundreds times better than rods. Now it has been argued if you are not working on the service then you are not required to use the CEE. I would check with the AHJ to be certain.

I think it stinks that the code is so unclear on this

 

[jxofaltrds]

I don't think the code is clear on this. IMO, if there is an available CEE then I will use it simply because it is hundreds times better than rods. Now it has been argued if you are not working on the service then you are not required to use the CEE. I would check with the AHJ to be certain.

My take on this as well.

I think it stinks that the code is so unclear on this

And if I add a metal water line to a structure, that does not need to be used because the service is not being 'modified'? :?

 

[kwired]

And if I add a metal water line to a structure, that does not need to be used because the service is not being 'modified'? :?

It does happen. If a project is to replace the water service and nothing else why should an electrician even be contacted? If an electrician is sometime later called to run just one branch circuit - does this water pipe become part of the scope of that new branch circuit? Does any code violation noticed during the install of that one branch circuit become part of the scope of that project? If I am responsible for finding and fixing all existing code violations at a site even though I was only contacted to install a receptacle...there are too many directions to go with the conversation from here. I am free to notice potential violations and point problems out to owner and let them decide if they want to spend the money to make it right.

If sometime later the electrical service is changed - then the grounding electrode system is part of the scope of the project.

 

[jxofaltrds]

It does happen. If a project is to replace the water service and nothing else why should an electrician even be contacted? If an electrician is sometime later called to run just one branch circuit - does this water pipe become part of the scope of that new branch circuit? Does any code violation noticed during the install of that one branch circuit become part of the scope of that project? If I am responsible for finding and fixing all existing code violations at a site even though I was only contacted to install a receptacle...there are too many directions to go with the conversation from here. I am free to notice potential violations and point problems out to owner and let them decide if they want to spend the money to make it right.

If sometime later the electrical service is changed - then the grounding electrode system is part of the scope of the project.

If you are the last EC in then yes you are responsible for patent defects.

 

[kwired]

If you are the last EC in then yes you are responsible for patent defects.

Time for me to only do new construction, or to rewire entire site whenever they only call for adding one outlet

 

[jwelectric]

If you are the last EC in then yes you are responsible for patent defects.

I can?t make statements about other states but here in good ole NC the electrical inspector will inspect what my permit covers. Should there be some life issue with the other parts of the electrical system then the inspector will notify the proper person not me.

Case in point; I get a permit to do a change out for the AC unit. When the inspector comes to make their inspection of my permitted work he sees that the meter base is free from the building and swinging back and forth in the wind.
He will pass my work and post a notice that the meter base needs attention with a time limit to get it repaired before loss of power. He will not require me to do the repair before passing my permitted work.

Another; a plumber is replacing the supply water line to a building. He uses a metal water pipe for this replacement. A plumbing inspector will be the only inspector that sees this installation therefore no requirement to use this new pipe for an electrode. The plumbing inspector cannot require a plumber to install anything electrical nor can a plumbing inspector say anything about the electrical.
Should the plumbing inspector go back to the office and report this to the electrical inspector just what authority will the electrical inspector have? He can?t force the plumber to bond this pipe as he is not an electrician.

 

[kwired]

I can?t make statements about other states but here in good ole NC the electrical inspector will inspect what my permit covers. Should there be some life issue with the other parts of the electrical system then the inspector will notify the proper person not me.

Case in point; I get a permit to do a change out for the AC unit. When the inspector comes to make their inspection of my permitted work he sees that the meter base is free from the building and swinging back and forth in the wind.
He will pass my work and post a notice that the meter base needs attention with a time limit to get it repaired before loss of power. He will not require me to do the repair before passing my permitted work.

Another; a plumber is replacing the supply water line to a building. He uses a metal water pipe for this replacement. A plumbing inspector will be the only inspector that sees this installation therefore no requirement to use this new pipe for an electrode. The plumbing inspector cannot require a plumber to install anything electrical nor can a plumbing inspector say anything about the electrical.
Should the plumbing inspector go back to the office and report this to the electrical inspector just what authority will the electrical inspector have? He can?t force the plumber to bond this pipe as he is not an electrician.

Kind of same here. If inspector feels situation is dangerous enough he can order immediate disconnection of power. That does not happen very often, and most times they give the owner a time frame to fix a problem and not a contractor that came to do something else and then inspector finds something unrelated to the permit he is there for. They do let a lot of "little" things that were pre-existing go, I really don't know how you determine if something is a "little" thing worth overlooking. Sometimes an injury or death results from the simplest "little" things, that may seem harmless.