Sizing the GEC and bonding jumpers

[completeaudio]

We are changing out services on multiunit residential buildings with meter stacks. There is a 600 Amp main and existing 2/0 GEC to an underground water pipe along with an old single ground rod. To bring the Grounding Electrode System up to code we are adding two ground rods (min 6’ apart) and we’re using a bonding jumper from the existing 2/0 GEC (listed UG split bolt) with 6awg to connect the two new rods. 250.66A specifically says you dont need larger than 6awg for the rods unless going to another electrode that would require a larger conductor. The handbook actually has an illustration on this method and seems straightforward but of course new inspector today is disagreeing. Does this seem compliant?

 

[roger]

What is the inspector citing specifically? Is it the jumpers or that they are connecting to the 2/0 GEC

 

[completeaudio]

What is the inspector citing specifically? Is it the jumpers or that they are connecting to the 2/0 GEC

I am waiting for him to give me a code section. Still have not got an answer. It’s hard to keep going back and forth in the field when you have 18 units down without power and he won’t release to the poco and then pulls “I’m the building official” card you’ll have to go to the state. We have 30 other building to do and I’m not running 2/0 to ground rods that don’t extend to other electrodes. It’s ridiculous.

 

[infinity]

The handbook actually has an illustration on this method and seems straightforward but of course new inspector today is disagreeing. Does this seem compliant?

Yes it's compliant but without knowing specifically what this inspector perceives as the violation it's hard to offer a rebuttal. My guess is it's the split bolts to the existing GEC which as bonding jumpers are permitted. Some inspectors can't get past the irreversible splicing methods of the actual GEC.

 

[roger]

I am waiting for him to give me a code section. Still have not got an answer. It’s hard to keep going back and forth in the field when you have 18 units down without power and he won’t release to the poco and then pulls “I’m the building official” card you’ll have to go to the state. We have 30 other building to do and I’m not running 2/0 to ground rods that don’t extend to other electrodes. It’s ridiculous.

I would go to the state regardless of how aggravating it may be. When a clown uses “I’m the building official” for substantiation he needs to be brought down with humility.

 

[completeaudio]

Yes it's compliant but without knowing specifically what this inspector perceives as the violation it's hard to offer a rebuttal. My guess is it's the split bolts to the existing GEC which as bonding jumpers are permitted. Some inspectors can't get past the irreversible splicing methods of the actual GEC.

I don’t think it’s the split bolts. He’s allowing us to use the split bolts to attach a 2/0 to go to the ground rods from the existing GEC currently. He was mumbling on about the possibility of the utility company changing the pipes at the building to plastic, however in all the spots where we found The connection to the water pipe, it was copper running underneath the building so there’s no way they changed it since these existing copper pipes are located under the building.
This was already discussed and previously approved with the contract inspectors on some of the previous buildings. The city decided to bring back in House building department in the last week or two.

 

[infinity]

I don’t think it’s the split bolts. He’s allowing us to use the split bolts to attach a 2/0 to go to the ground rods from the existing GEC currently. He was mumbling on about the possibility of the utility company changing the pipes at the building to plastic, however in all the spots where we found The connection to the water pipe, it was copper running underneath the building so there’s no way they changed it since these existing copper pipes are located under the building.
This was already discussed and previously approved with the contract inspectors on some of the previous buildings. The city decided to bring back in House building department in the last week or two.

The reason you install two ground rods is because they're supplementing the metal water pipe which may be removed or changed in the future. The two grounds can stand alone as the GES so whether the water pipe is metallic or not is irrelevant. This inspector is kind of clueless as to the function of a supplemental electrode.