Run #6 bare copper across bottoms of floor joists?

[richwaskowitz]

Please help me locate the pertinent Code article which would allow or disallow running a #6 bare copper grounding electrode conductor perpendicular across the bottoms of floor joists in an unfinished residential basement.

 

[jumper]

Well, I cannot find anything in 250.64 that prohibits this.

 

[acrwc10]

Well, I cannot find anything in 250.64 that prohibits this.

And by default it is allowed. Unless subject to physical damage. :grin:

 

[richwaskowitz]

That is how I saw it too. Thanks.

 

[glene77is]

That is how I saw it too. Thanks.

Is this for the EGC / Bond to the Gas Line / Water Line ?

 

[richwaskowitz]

Any and all of that. My point is that when one has to run 80 feet or so from the panel at one end of the house all the way to the opposite corner to pick up the water main, I would rather not have to drill all those joists if I don't have to.

 

[glene77is]

... would rather not have to drill all those joists if I don't have to.

Understandable.

But, the catch is that
the "Un-Finished" basement will probably become "Finished".

 

[muskrat]

Understandable.

But, the catch is that
the "Un-Finished" basement will probably become "Finished".

Little extra wire but run it along sill plate (that floor joists sit on) and you're covered.

 

[iwire]

Any and all of that. My point is that when one has to run 80 feet or so from the panel at one end of the house all the way to the opposite corner to pick up the water main, I would rather not have to drill all those joists if I don't have to.

Drilling the joists to protect a GEC from damage is not specifically allowed like it is for NM.

Yes an inspector could certainly make that call but they could also still say it is subject to damage.

My suggestion would be to run $5.00 worth of strapping as a running board and be done with it. (This could also be shot down in the inspector decides it is subject to damage.:grin

If you move up to 4 AWG things get easier.

 

[George Stolz]

Little extra wire but run it along sill plate (that floor joists sit on) and you're covered.

This seems to do the job for me.

 

[richwaskowitz]

All good comments. Thanks. What I was hoping for was someone who had an inspector shoot this down based on the "subject to damage" wording and how that ruling was successfully argued against.. Maybe I'll simply avoid any issue by using the sill plates or bored holes.