Location of Grounding Electrodes (ground rods)

[Ben_b]

Im upgrading a service in which the only grounding electrode is the water main. Where the location of my service is there is no safe location to drive the ground rods. My question is what is the maximum distance from the service to the grounding electrodes?

 

[iwire]

The NEC does not give a maximum distance.

Go as far as you have to.

 

[hillbilly]

You have to bond to that water pipe within 5 feet of where it enters the building.
250.52(A)(1).
As Iwire said, the NEC doesn't give a maximum distance from the service panel to that "5 foot section" of pipe.
steve

 

[LarryFine]

You have to bond to that water pipe within 5 feet of where it enters the building.

Only if you want the pipe to qualify as an electrode. The bonding requirement does not specify where on the piping system.

 

[hillbilly]

Only if you want the pipe to qualify as an electrode. The bonding requirement does not specify where on the piping system.

Excuse me...."connect to that water pipe".
I thought it was pretty obvious that we were talking about a grounding electrode.
steve