Water main grounding

[redz2500]

If the GEC can connect anywhere on the water pipe why do we need an exception for qualified persons?

Do you agree that the electrode stops where it is no longer buried in the earth?

I believe the "electrode" stops when it comes out of the ground. I also believe there is no logical reason why the copper pipe is not allowed to be used to reach from point A to point B if it is electrically continuous as the code states. Testing wouldn't even be required if I bonded within 5' I could then got to the furthest hose bib and run a jumper to my supplemental rod. How does it make sense that the pipe is a conductor one way but not the other? If a piece of copper was replaced in the middle would we not be impacted either way? There is no logic to any of this IMO.

I have recently seen a home built on posts where the main water line comes out of the ground 40' from the home. It routes under the detached driveway/garage strapped to framing before it goes from the garage to the dwelling above ground (10'). let me catch that within 5' of entering the dwelling even though its 50+- feet from where it actually becomes an electrode?

The only logical explanation to this not being allowed is that someone may replace a piece of copper with PVC or PEX. Well I was told that it is required to bond around that connection in the plumbing code. I would be significantly more concerned with loosing the ground on outlets with the older homes in this case than the 5 amps at 25 ohms of resistance if present we gain by connecting the main service piping. This logic is why I believe it was removed from the 2011 cycle.

Sorry my brain only operates on logic. A+B=C / B+A also = C. I feel the code is written the same way and should be interpreted as such.

 

[redz2500]

Let's break this down: Please respond to this without bringing up any other codes.

Where in this code that pertains to connecting to the water main does it state it needs to be within 5'? IMO it only tells me what must take place until I reach the GEC but it does not state where that GEC must be located.

(1) Metal Underground Water Pipe​

A metal underground water pipe in direct contact with the earth for 3.0 m (10 ft) or more (including any metal well casing bonded to the pipe) and electrically continuous (or made electrically continuous by bonding around insulating joints or insulating pipe) to the points of connection of the grounding electrode conductor and the bonding conductor(s) or jumper(s), if installed.

 

[redz2500]

Let's break this down: Please respond to this without bringing up any other codes.

Where in this code that pertains to connecting to the water main does it state it needs to be within 5'? IMO it only tells me what must take place until I reach the GEC but it does not state where that GEC must be located.

(1) Metal Underground Water Pipe​

A metal underground water pipe in direct contact with the earth for 3.0 m (10 ft) or more (including any metal well casing bonded to the pipe) and electrically continuous (or made electrically continuous by bonding around insulating joints or insulating pipe) to the points of connection of the grounding electrode conductor and the bonding conductor(s) or jumper(s), if installed.

Now lets discuss this code:

Later in the code we get to 250.68(C)(1) where it states that if I want to use the piping system to interconnect "other" electrodes I must bond it within 5'. If I don't bond within 5' I can not connect "other" electrodes.

These codes are getting tied together when they have nothing to do with each other.

 

[Electromatic]

250.50 says that all electrodes present must be connected (bonded) together to form the GES. If the water pipe is present and qualifies as an electrode, it must be connected to any/all other electrodes.

 

[roger]

Where in this code that pertains to connecting to the water main does it state it needs to be within 5'? IMO it only tells me what must take place until I reach the GEC but it does not state where that GEC must be located.

​

This is what Mike Holt and EC&M said about it.

For termination to metal water pipe and structural metal, grounding electrode conductors and grounding electrode bonding jumpers are permitted to terminate to [250.68(C)]:

• Interior metal water piping located not more than 5 ft from the point of entrance to the building/structure [250.68(C)(1)], as shown in the Figure.

Excerpt from This Article

Notice the wording grounding electrode conductors AND electrode bonding jumpers. If you want to make the connection in the earth you can but if you are going to make it inside the building it is saying it has to be within 5' of entry.

Now right or wrong enough people interpret it the same way to support your AHJ's rule and enforcement.