Walking Anachronism
Member
- Location
- Northern NJ, USA
While inspecting a service installation I noticed that the grounding electrode conductor (4 AWG) led out from the service equipment unfastened to a ground rod w/clamp from the ground/soil. From there it continued to a second ground rod. Perhaps the contractor wanted me to see the termination of the conductor at the rod, but the top edge of both rods are at least 2" above grade and also the bonding jumper between both of them is suspended in mid air. It looked really unprofessional. Since the rods were installed pretty much right in front of the service equipement (located on exterior side of bldg), the rods and jumper are practically a tripping hazard. They are definitely subject to physical damage.
NEC 2011 states in 250.53(A)(1), "If practicable, rod, pipe, and plate electrodes shall be embedded below permanent moisture level. "
Also 250.64(B) requires the conductor to be protected from physical damage.
Question: Would you interpret the first code reference (above) as the top edge of the ground rod buried under surface of ground, say 12" deep?
Also I'm thinking of having them relocate the first rod farther from the equipment, fasten the electrode conductor along the wall before reaching the first rod, and then bury the jumper to the second rod. (No. 4 AWG isn't required in that text to be run in conduit if not exposed.)
NEC 2011 states in 250.53(A)(1), "If practicable, rod, pipe, and plate electrodes shall be embedded below permanent moisture level. "
Also 250.64(B) requires the conductor to be protected from physical damage.
Question: Would you interpret the first code reference (above) as the top edge of the ground rod buried under surface of ground, say 12" deep?
Also I'm thinking of having them relocate the first rod farther from the equipment, fasten the electrode conductor along the wall before reaching the first rod, and then bury the jumper to the second rod. (No. 4 AWG isn't required in that text to be run in conduit if not exposed.)