The AHJ is correct, the single rod would have to be 25 ohms or it would not be considered a supplemental GE, see 250.53(D)(2), the supplemental GE must meet the requirements of 250.53(A)(2) which would mean two rods or bring out a test set
Roger
As Roger stated the AHJ is correct. A single rod is not an electrode if it cannot pass the 25 ohms or less test. Two rods are considered an electrode no testing required.
Okay, either I'm really not following your argument, or maybe you guys just didn't read my post carefully.
This AHJ requires
3 electrodes in all cases (unless there's a verified UFER): water pipe, 1st rod, 2nd rod. You don't get to not drive the 2nd ground rod if the water is done and good.
Is that what you guys think the NEC requires? Because I see 250.3 saying: "A single rod, pipe, or plate electrode shall be supplemented..." and the water pipe is already a single pipe electrode. It does not say that the supplemental electrode needs another supplemental electrode!
I think the AHJ's logic may be that they can't verify that the water pipe meets the requirements of an electrode, so you don't get to count it, but you have to bond it because of 250.50 just in case it does count. :roll: In any case, I know I'm not changing their minds.
We have another AHJ that lets us have either <water+one rod> or <two rods>. I think this is correct except for the fact that the water pipe is required to be bonded if it meets the requirements of an electrode. But I'm grateful for their interpretation on existing houses.
Is the second rod such a big deal it's worth spending time on an Internet forum to figure out a way around using one?
When you're trying to get done 10 jobs a week and most of the houses in your city have no dirt around them, rock underneath, and/or one rod already driven, it would sure be helpful. I'm sure others mileage will vary.