Re: The 25 ohm rule
There?s a bit of confusion here, and it may prove that earlydean correctly identified a problem. Let?s clear up our language.
First, I presume you are talking about the service panel. Otherwise, you do have a real problem.
Secondly, you say the neutral is bonded to a ground rod. Are you certain that that is the case? It need not be. The neutral could be bonded to the ground bus at the service panel, with that ground bus being connected (via a ?Grounding Electrode Conductor?) to the ground rod. But the bottom line is that there is metal (i.e., wire), and not dirt, between the neutral and the ground rod.
Third, the same ground bus should be bonded to the water pipe. This would mean that there is metal (i.e., wire), and not dirt, between the neutral and the water pipe.
Fourth, since dirt does not enter this picture, Bill?s comment is accurate: ignore the 25 ohm rule of 250.66.
Finally, if you are reading 28 ohms along what should be a metal to metal to metal path, then something is wrong. My guess is that the neutral and the ground bus are not bonded (or there is a loose connection) within the panel. That would mean that the path between the neutral and the water pipe does include dirt, and that 28 ohms would be a reasonable reading for this circumstance. My suggestion is that you verify the connection between the neutral and ground (not just by physical inspection ? take a reading with your ohmmeter).
[ October 22, 2003, 04:37 PM: Message edited by: charlie b ]