Tent

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kec

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If you install a temporary free standing panel with GFI outlets for lighting, etc. at a wedding tent, is this considered a structure requiring 2 gr. rods?

This tent is up for one day so not a permanent structure.
 
As ridiculous as it may be it sounds like it is required. Article 590 would need to modify the GES requirement for the remote panel in Article 250. I don't see a modification of the requirement in Article 590.

590.1 Scope. The provisions of this article apply to temporary electric power and lighting installations.
590.2 All Wiring Installations.
(A) Other Articles. Except as specifically modified in this article, all other requirements of this Code for permanent wiring shall apply to temporary wiring installations.
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Is the panel hard wired into a power source? Or is it portable and fed with 50 amp CS or camlock? I do alot of tent power and we use portable distribution boxes, following the applicable portions of nec 525. 590 doesn't come into play since this is 'portable' not 'temporary' but if hard wired then 590 would.
 
It sounds like a glorified extension cord to me. I would say no electrode required for one day.

If you're still inclined, use a 4' rod as a temporary:

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Todd0x1 said:
Is the panel hard wired into a power source? Or is it portable and fed with 50 amp CS or camlock? I do alot of tent power and we use portable distribution boxes, following the applicable portions of nec 525. 590 doesn't come into play since this is 'portable' not 'temporary' but if hard wired then 590 would.
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However 525 is not clear that a grounding electrode for the portable structure is not required. If that article does not modify the requirement in Article 250, 250 will apply.
Good opportunity for a Public Input to make a change for the 2026 code. Maybe something like this.
525.30 Equipment Bonding.
The following equipment connected to the same source shall be bonded:
(1) Metal raceways and metal-sheathed cable
(2) Metal enclosures of electrical equipment
(3) Metal frames and metal parts of portable structures, trailers, trucks, or other equipment that contain or support electrical equipment
(4) Grounding electrodes or connections to a grounding electrode shall not be required

Where the metal frames or parts of the equipment in 525.30(1), (2), or (3) are likely to become energized in the event of a fault, the equipment grounding conductor of the supply circuit shall be permitted to serve as the bonding means.
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Presuming this is truly a freestanding item then if you had a trailer, say like many construction guys have with a 50 amp supply cord, panel and multiple receptacles on/within the trailer - electrically you basically have the same thing but that doesn't require a GES at the trailer/panel.
 
kwired said:
Presuming this is truly a freestanding item then if you had a trailer, say like many construction guys have with a 50 amp supply cord, panel and multiple receptacles on/within the trailer - electrically you basically have the same thing but that doesn't require a GES at the trailer/panel.
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While we don't do that, what says we don't have to have a GES for the construction trailer?
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
While we don't do that, what says we don't have to have a GES for the construction trailer?
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Good question, I looked some, haven't found a definite answer yet.

I will say they almost never have a GES connected to the trailer. Often might have one on/very close that is serving whatever equipment they are supplied from. But if you ran say a hundred feet to a individual receptacle on some post, I don't believe a GES is required for that receptacle, and I really doubt the trailer would require one either, at least not by NEC alone.
 
kwired said:
Good question, I looked some, haven't found a definite answer yet.

I will say they almost never have a GES connected to the trailer. Often might have one on/very close that is serving whatever equipment they are supplied from. But if you ran say a hundred feet to a individual receptacle on some post, I don't believe a GES is required for that receptacle, and I really doubt the trailer would require one either, at least not by NEC alone.
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The construction trailers are covered by Article 545 now and there is no clear statement as to requiring a grounding electrode system, but there is a clear statement requiring provisions for the connection of a GEC
545.12 Grounding Electrode Conductor.
Provisions shall be made to route a grounding electrode conductor from the service, feeder, or branch-circuit supply to the point of attachment to the grounding electrode.
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IMG_0494.jpeg
This is a picture of my temporary setup for wedding day.
I install it with a 4wire SER cable from a circuit breaker from the house.
It’s used typically for tent lighting, band equipment, fans. The feeder size is based on the anticipated load requirements.
 
For something like that, I wouldn't install a rod.

A couple or three spider boxes would do the job and be a lot easier to handle (use 6/4 SO cable to feed them). If you're constantly moving this thing, when it wears out get some purpose-made temp. power equipment.

Be aware of the 90 day rule in Art 590.3, depending on how you read it, it may not directly apply. I know it's been discussed before.
 
zbang said:
For something like that, I wouldn't install a rod.

A couple or three spider boxes would do the job and be a lot easier to handle (use 6/4 SO cable to feed them). If you're constantly moving this thing, when it wears out get some purpose-made temp. power equipment.

Be aware of the 90 day rule in Art 590.3, depending on how you read it, it may not directly apply. I know it's been discussed before.
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The OP said this was for a wedding tent. If you can't talk her into marrying you in 90 days, might as well give up!:D
 
zbang said:
For something like that, I wouldn't install a rod.

A couple or three spider boxes would do the job and be a lot easier to handle (use 6/4 SO cable to feed them). If you're constantly moving this thing, when it wears out get some purpose-made temp. power equipment.

Be aware of the 90 day rule in Art 590.3, depending on how you read it, it may not directly apply. I know it's been discussed before.
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I agree. This is used only for the 5 hrs or so during the day of wedding.
So apparently from what I gather, there is nothing to cite to the AHJ regarding not having to drive 2 Gr Rods.

On this last one the town inspector enforced me to drive another 8 ft rod as there was already one installed.
 
kec said:
So apparently from what I gather, there is nothing to cite to the AHJ regarding not having to drive 2 Gr Rods.
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Flip that- what is there to say that 2 rods are required? That's more important.

Along the same line, the question is not how long it's being used each day, the question is how long it's in place and connected. (IMHO, if you disconnect the feed at the end of each day, the clock resets. That's a lot easier if it's all cord & plug connected using purpose-built temp power equipment.)
 
zbang said:
That's a lot easier if it's all cord & plug connected using purpose-built temp power equipment.
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PORTABLE equipment (and alot of jurisdictions are requiring it be listed nowdays -UL1640 is the standard)

Also, I don't think the 90 day clock applies to 525 applications.
 
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