Pole Lights

[dcsva@aol.com]

Parking Lot Pole Lights
400W/277V lamps with steel square poles.

I do not have a lot of experience in this area.
The electrical contractor on-site said he normally drives a ground rod at every pole and connects the EGC from the panelboard to the electrode at each pole for added safety in the event of a lightning strike.
1. Is this standard practice?
2. Is this required?
Any comments would be helpful.

 

[charlie tuna]

Re: Pole Lights

this is more of a standard than code-- actually it is questionable that the ground rod reduces dammage in the case of a lightning strike --- a major problem with this practice is that it adds a green wire to the connection point on the pole. and many times this green wire is mistakenly thought to be the bond wire from the power source which could result in a high resistance return path to the power source. too many people get electricuted across the united states on outdoor metal surfaces every year. the biggest advantage of this practice is to increase the number of ground rods manufactured each year!

 

[dereckbc]

Re: Pole Lights

Originally posted by dcsva@aol.com:
1. Is this standard practice?
2. Is this required?

1. It is a practice of some.
2. No

 

[straps]

Re: Pole Lights

At our church they are 120 volts with 2 live circuits going thru each light every other is used on each circuit.
Hers my kicker. If I put a switch on the pole to disable it so the power is used for a barnyard type of mercury vapor light. Whole system is on a contactor 40 amp size. I have been asked to tap 2 poles for the barnyard fixtures ( Merc Vapor 175 watt 120Vol)so young people can play basketball at night outside youth building ( We are in Florida)

My gut says just tap 1 poles black white and the second poles red-white. What say you guys? :roll:

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Pole Lights

Sraps: a lot of other info is needed.Such as size of wire,ocpd and load from other lights.I see no problem with the idea of a switch if all other codes are complied with

 

[harborrick]

Re: Pole Lights

I install alot of parking lot lights in Southern Calif and we use the GEC for grounding.Their should be a bond screw near the 2x4 man hole cover.You do not need to use any other grounding means.Your pole is usually bonding with your anchor bolts also.(Not a code requirement).
Thanks Rick

 

[iwire]

Re: Pole Lights

Originally posted by harborrick:
I install alot of parking lot lights in Southern Calif and we use the GEC for grounding.

GEC?

Do you mean the EGC?

 

[charlie]

Re: Pole Lights

Good catch Bob, I read right through it. I am sure he meant EGC and not GEC. I think I need to be more awake.