Made Electrode

[Jerry Chernich]

I am currently working on a commercial project tat has this requirement in its specifications. The water pipe gound is to be supplemented by an additional made electrode consisting of ground rods laid on 3 inch 75mm charcoal bed.
The water main is bonded the buiding steel is bonded and the rebar in the foundation is bonded. Other than the specs saying it has to be done what purpose does this serve? I've been in the trade 28years and this is new to me. Anybody ever encounter this and if so could you furnish some details.
Thanks J Chernich

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Jerry,
It serves no useful purpose. The code is satisfied with the water pipe and the concrete encased electrode.
Don

 

[raider1]

Other than the specs saying it has to be done what purpose does this serve?

In my opinion this serves no purpose, but as you say it is in the specs and must be done.

Chris

 

[tom baker]

Typically you'll see a grounding requirement for 5 ohms, but this is a magic number.
I have never heard of this type ground. A more common system is a chemical ground rod or a ground rod installed in Erico Gem, which looks a little like charcoal.
Can you use charcoal brickets? 20 lbs for $3.00
There are many products that can be used to encase the ground rod, including copper sulfate. Many are enviromentally harmfull.
But concrete (per 250.52(A)(3) makes a great ground and its hard to see how the charcoal will be an improvement.

 

[infinity]

Ground rods need to be installed vertically 8' into the ground. The exception for burying them horizontally only applies where rock is encountered.

 

[petersonra]

Can you use charcoal brickets? 20 lbs for $3.00

Trivia.

Did you know that common charcoal briquettes are not actually made of charcoal?

They are actually made of compressed coal dust.

 

[LarryFine]

Trivia.

Did you know that common charcoal briquettes are not actually made of charcoal?

They are actually made of compressed coal dust.

Mine have Mesquite in them. :wink:

 

[bkludecke]

I have a gas BBQ.

 

[hillbilly]

I cut my own Hickory, although sometimes I use Oak.
steve

 

[petersonra]

I cut my own Hickory, although sometimes I use Oak.
steve

I use Cowboy charcoal. real hardwood charcoal in irregular shapes. Much better flavor than the coal based stuff. Burns hotter (and faster).

 

[jwelectric]

I use Cowboy charcoal. real hardwood charcoal in irregular shapes. Much better flavor than the coal based stuff. Burns hotter (and faster).

I always thought that ?cowboy charcoal? was those little round dark colored things found in a meadow where the cows had been grazing.
They sure do give the food a different flavor, for sure.

 

[macmikeman]

In my neck of the woods Kiawe bush is the bestest charcoal and the grinds will be ono-licous.