Optional Grounding electrode other than water pipe?

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jimstroke

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Doesn't the NEC say somewhere in Art. 250 that, if a metallic water pipe is available then you HAVE to use it for the service neutral ground? One inspector says he..."never uses water pipe anymore"....for fear that the metal pipe will be replaced with plastic in future and.... "there goes your ground"...
Does the NEC then allow options for this ground other than the water pipe, even if it is available?
I need the exact NEC Article & par No's.
Please reply to james P. Stroke, PE, jimstroke@aol.com-thanks
 
jimstroke said:
Doesn't the NEC say somewhere in Art. 250 that, if a metallic water pipe is available then you HAVE to use it for the service neutral ground? One inspector says he..."never uses water pipe anymore"....for fear that the metal pipe will be replaced with plastic in future and.... "there goes your ground"...
Does the NEC then allow options for this ground other than the water pipe, even if it is available?
I need the exact NEC Article & par No's.
Please reply to james P. Stroke, PE, jimstroke@aol.com-thanks
Click to expand...

Yes, it says that. 250.50 > 250.52(A)(1).

That inspector can seem to have a rational fear, however, the Grounding Electrode Conductor to the underground water pipe is to be supplemented by an additional electrode. 250.53(D)(2). If that additional electrode is a rod, pipe, or plate, it needs to have a resistance to the earth of 25 ohms or less, or be augmented by an additional electrode.

There are no allowances for not using a qualifying water pipe if it enters the building. There is a list of seven electrode types that must be used if they exist. 250.52.
 
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250.50 Grounding Electrode System.
All grounding electrodes as described in 250.52(A)(1) through (A)(7) that are present at each building or structure served shall be bonded together to form the grounding electrode system

Tells us that IF the meatllic water system suitable [per 250.52(A)(1)] as a grounding electode is available, you must use it.
 
Don't forget that the metallic water piping system must be bonded regardless of whether it qualifies as an electrode.
 
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