Grounding Plate Electrodes

[Thomas Zielke]

Article 250.53 mentions "plate electrodes". Are there actual manufactured plate electrodes? Is there an example of a plate electrode that is Code approved? Please advise.

 

[readydave8]

https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/Erico-Eggpc-Galv-Stl-Grd-Plt-W-O-Conn/6071147?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=power-distribution&utm_content=&utm_term=&creative=&audience=customer-acquisition&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22184120579&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9obIBhCAARIsAGHm1mSXP323t478f8owhXFfETOaAEOwpJO6jh0nBXH1vOg3iiDU-VaK-FgaAgreEALw_wcB

 

[infinity]

Is there an example of a plate electrode that is Code approved?

You can make your own if you so choose.

 

[Thomas Zielke]

If a ground plate electrode were to be used in place of a ground rod, what guidelines would one use to make sure that the plate would be of similar value. I see plates being used in Canada in place of rods and I am curious as to why they are not used in the U.S.

 

[zbang]

Unless you already have a hole, it's usually easier to drive a rod.

 

[infinity]

If a ground plate electrode were to be used in place of a ground rod, what guidelines would one use to make sure that the plate would be of similar value. I see plates being used in Canada in place of rods and I am curious as to why they are not used in the U.S.

Like a rod a single plate is required to be 25 ohms or less. If not it requires a supplemental electrode. They're not used very often because you have to dig a big deep hole to bury them. As Zbang suggested it's just easier to pound in a rod or two.