Solid or Stranded Does it matter

[knot stable]

Grounding conductor to water piping system in a single family home. 200A service #4 ok. Does the code state any where that it has to be be stranded or will solid do also? Guess I'm just set in my ways. I've looked but I can't seem to locate anything to this. Maybe I'm just to tired to focus.

 

[cpal]

solid or stranded either will do

 

[infinity]

Either one. I would never run #4 solid copper because stranded is just easier to work with.

 

[jwjrw]

I only see that it requires it to be no larger than #6. So I would say either also.

 

[electricmanscott]

I only see that it requires it to be no larger than #6. So I would say either also.

Look again. 250.66
You're thinking gec to rods.

 

[infinity]

I only see that it requires it to be no larger than #6. So I would say either also.

No larger than #6 to the water pipe?

 

[S'mise]

NEC does not say. Your choice. Most prefer stranded for ease of installation, slightly higher ampcity (skin effect) and if mobility is needed (removing water meter, vibration etc.)

 

[Volta]

If run through a raceway (probably isn't) then stranded. 310.3

 

[jwjrw]

No larger than #6 to the water pipe?

For a 200 amp service we run #4 to waterpipe and rods. I know #6 is all that is required to rods and since we always use #4 I assumed #6 was ok for the GEC on a 200a service. I now see #4 is required.

 

[masterinbama]

For a 200 amp service we run #4 to waterpipe and rods. I know #6 is all that is required to rods and since we always use #4 I assumed #6 was ok for the GEC on a 200a service. I now see #4 is required.

I do the same to keep from having to stock #6 and #4. The cost difference is negligible on most jobs.

 

[jwjrw]

I do the same to keep from having to stock #6 and #4. The cost difference is negligible on most jobs.

That and the fact that you have to protect #6 if subject to damage is why I only run #4.

 

[knot stable]

Rob, I agree stranded is easier to run and I use it,but I had a roll of 4 solid so hey why not use it and make a few more bucks. It's just when you get used to using something and decide to change I always have the HMMM factor. (go to the book)

Thanks all for your time

 

[infinity]

Rob, I agree stranded is easier to run and I use it,but I had a roll of 4 solid so hey why not use it and make a few more bucks. It's just when you get used to using something and decide to change I always have the HMMM factor. (go to the book)

Thanks all for your time

I agree, if it's free then use it. :grin:

Only problem is if you need to install it in a raceway as Volta mentioned.

 

[tom baker]

Solid or stranded, paper or plastic?
But can't run 6 solid in a raceway, and its very hard to find compression splices for solid wire.
I always run stranded, 7 conductor.

 

[suemarkp]

That and the fact that you have to protect #6 if subject to damage is why I only run #4.

You have to protect #4 and larger from physical damage too. The wording for protecting #4 from "severe physical damage" was changed a few cycles back to just "physical damage". But they are a bit pickier about how you run exposed #6 with specific instructions for closely following the surface.

 

[jwjrw]

You have to protect #4 and larger from physical damage too. The wording for protecting #4 from "severe physical damage" was changed a few cycles back to just "physical damage". But they are a bit pickier about how you run exposed #6 with specific instructions for closely following the surface.

Here its rare for them to require #4 to be protected but common for #6. Yea Im sure there are times even #4 needs protection but I havent had to do it yet on residential but I have for #6 so we just run #4.