Joseph Alexander
Member
How many grounds do you provide for a temporary service in your area? In Georgia t-poles usually only have one ground rod.
T-POLE GROUNDS
- Thread starter Joseph Alexander
- Start date
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
One ground (unless tested and proven to be 25 ohms or less) is not considered to be an electrode so if no testing is being performed two rods are required by the NEC.
rc/retired
Senior Member
- Location
- Bellvue, Colorado
- Occupation
- Master Electrician/Inspector retired
45 years ago it was a half a rod. 
Ron
Ron
102 Inspector
Senior Member
- Location
- N/E Indiana
- Occupation
- Inspector- All facets
I always explain that a service is a service, it does not know whether it is permanent or temporary. I have been involved in a couple of electrocutions that I was happy I did not approve the service. 2 Rods for me or not approved.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
Now you drive 2 half rods, right?45 years ago it was a half a rod.
Ron
electrofelon
Senior Member
- Location
- Cherry Valley NY, Seattle, WA
Washington state allows one for temp service
10 ground rods won’t prevent an electrocution. Or 100.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Technically, a rod is about 16.6 feet. So our 8 foot ground rods are already half a rod.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Is this a local code amendment or do they just say since it's temp one is good enough? The NEC clearly requires two unless the single rod is rested.
electrofelon
Senior Member
- Location
- Cherry Valley NY, Seattle, WA
It's an actual state amendment in the Washington administrative code (WAC)
250.053 (A)(2) Resistance of rod, pipe, and plate electrodes.
(3) For rod, pipe, and plate electrodes other than those installed in accordance with the exception in subsection (2) of this section, if a ground resistance test is not performed to ensure a resistance to ground of 25 ohms or less, two or more electrodes as specified in NEC 250.52 must be installed a minimum of 6 feet apart. A temporary construction service is not required to have more than one made electrode
102 Inspector
Senior Member
- Location
- N/E Indiana
- Occupation
- Inspector- All facets
retired - I realize that ground rods will not prevent an electrocution, but it is easier to explain to the investigator that the service was code compliant when approved. I hate filling out OSHA reports. I also agree that grounding is over emphasized in many cases and if the installation is done correctly, the hazards are minimal. After 34 years inspecting, I am still learning and unfortunately, still miss things.
Yes, if something bad happens, it’s best that all “Is” are dotted and “Ts” crossed, for sure.