In residential construction, does the grounding rod need to be installed in such a manner to permit moisture to enter the soil immediately surrounding the rod? For example, does NEC code prevent the placement of a grounding rod in a concrete patio next to the foundation? How would the latter situation be handled?
Grounding rod installation
- Thread starter georgem
- Start date
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bill addiss
Senior Member
Re: Grounding rod installation
George,
The NEC does not specify any location for Rods.
Bill
George,
The NEC does not specify any location for Rods.
Bill
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Grounding rod installation
Though the code does not specify an exact loaction where a ground rod should be installed or not installed, other considerations must be met.
Things like protection from damage, making sure the GEC is continuous, using proper connectors, and so on....
Placing a ground rod in a location that would assist in the reduction of total impedance or other methods that provide lower impedance is certainly acceptable though not required.
Though the code does not specify an exact loaction where a ground rod should be installed or not installed, other considerations must be met.
Things like protection from damage, making sure the GEC is continuous, using proper connectors, and so on....
Placing a ground rod in a location that would assist in the reduction of total impedance or other methods that provide lower impedance is certainly acceptable though not required.
Re: Grounding rod installation
As others have stated, the NEC does not specify the location. However common since would dictate you would want to put the rod where it could be maintained. I would not embed it in concrete unless the GEC were exothermic welded or irreversible compression connector used to terminate to the rod. I have never seen a good mechanical rod clamp connector.
[ June 19, 2003, 10:21 AM: Message edited by: dereckbc ]
As others have stated, the NEC does not specify the location. However common since would dictate you would want to put the rod where it could be maintained. I would not embed it in concrete unless the GEC were exothermic welded or irreversible compression connector used to terminate to the rod. I have never seen a good mechanical rod clamp connector.
[ June 19, 2003, 10:21 AM: Message edited by: dereckbc ]
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Re: Grounding rod installation
I would install the GR out from the building where it will be in an area that will rain. Cadweld makes a one shot connector that is simple to use, cost about $10.00. If underground install the ground rods in the ditch line, the UG service will protect the ground rods and wire.
If you have a concrete footing with rebar, use the reinforcing steel for a "ufer" ground and ground rods are not required. You'll have a much lower grounding resistance, permanent, and at less cost.
Unless you enjoy driving ground rods.
I would install the GR out from the building where it will be in an area that will rain. Cadweld makes a one shot connector that is simple to use, cost about $10.00. If underground install the ground rods in the ditch line, the UG service will protect the ground rods and wire.
If you have a concrete footing with rebar, use the reinforcing steel for a "ufer" ground and ground rods are not required. You'll have a much lower grounding resistance, permanent, and at less cost.
Unless you enjoy driving ground rods.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: Grounding rod installation
250.53(A) Where Practicable, rod, pipe, and plate electrodes shall be embedded below permanent moisture level
250.53(A) Where Practicable, rod, pipe, and plate electrodes shall be embedded below permanent moisture level
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
Re: Grounding rod installation
NFPA inspection manual gives three examples.
1 Vertical - 8' earth contact
2 Vertical to 45o - 8'earth contact
3 Horizontal 8'earth contact - 2 1/2' minimum depth
Mike P.
NFPA inspection manual gives three examples.
1 Vertical - 8' earth contact
2 Vertical to 45o - 8'earth contact
3 Horizontal 8'earth contact - 2 1/2' minimum depth
Mike P.
dana1028
Senior Member
- Location
- San Francisco Bay area
Re: Grounding rod installation
Dereck -
re: "I have never seen a good mechanical rod clamp connector"...check out this new product - rod clamp connector....just saw it at an IAEI meeting.
Erico - Hammerlock
These should sell under $5 each - very fast installation (cost to distributor is under $3)
http://www.erico.com/erico_public/product/HAMMERLOCK.asp
[ June 20, 2003, 10:42 PM: Message edited by: dana1028 ]
Dereck -
re: "I have never seen a good mechanical rod clamp connector"...check out this new product - rod clamp connector....just saw it at an IAEI meeting.
Erico - Hammerlock
These should sell under $5 each - very fast installation (cost to distributor is under $3)
http://www.erico.com/erico_public/product/HAMMERLOCK.asp
[ June 20, 2003, 10:42 PM: Message edited by: dana1028 ]
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