grounding of light poles and sign bases

[nascar03]

Our jurisdiction as well as many others in our area require 20' of bare copper in the footing of light poles and sign bases. Our new CBO feels this is incorrect and should not be called. Call it a lightening rod or a raceway it should be grounded.

 

[volt101]

Re: grounding of light poles and sign bases

It should be required only if you require lightning protection in homes as well.

250.32 Two or More Buildings or Structures Supplied from a Common Service.
(A) Grounding Electrode. Where two or more buildings or structures are supplied from a common ac service by a feeder(s) or branch circuit(s), the grounding electrode(s) required in Part III of this article at each building or structure shall be connected in the manner specified in 250.32(B) or (C). Where there are no existing grounding electrodes, the grounding electrode(s) required in Part III of this article shall be installed.

Exception: A grounding electrode at separate buildings or structures shall not be required where only one branch circuit supplies the building or structure and the branch circuit includes an equipment grounding conductor for grounding the conductive non?current-carrying parts of all equipment.

Is a light base a separate structure? Take a look at 225 Part II "More Than One Building or Other Structure".

225.32 Location.
The disconnecting means shall be installed either inside or outside of the building or structure served or where the conductors pass through the building or structure. The disconnecting means shall be at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the conductors. For the purposes of this section, the requirements in 230.6 shall be permitted to be utilized.

Exception No. 3: For towers or poles used as lighting standards, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises.
Exception No. 4: For poles or similar structures used only for support of signs installed in accordance with Article 600, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises.

As you can see, article 225 clearly labels light poles and a signs as structures.

Also look at the definition of structure:

Structure. That which is built or constructed.

Hopes this helps you out.

Jim