Water pipe as bonded or used as GE?

[Electron_Sam78]

If there are metal water pipes in a building is it required that they be used as a GE or can I just bond them to the panel ground bar? I know there's a code section dealing with each scenario but not sure if I have to do one or the other. If I have to use it as a GE I have to run 4 times farther to get to within 5 ft of the water pipe entrance to the building. If I can just bond it it's only a short run.

 

[augie47]

In order for the water line to qualify as a grounding electrode it must be in contact with the earth for 10 ft or more (250.52) and you must connect to it withing 5 ft of it's entry to the building.
If a metal piping system is not in contact with the earth (10ft) then you are simply required to bond it (250.104) and that connection can be at any point.
In both case the conductor originates at the service (with some exceptions)

 

[Electron_Sam78]

it qualifies as a GE but do I have to connect it as such or can I just bond the piping system and be done with it? I'm asking if I'm compelled by the NEC to use it as a GE instead of just relying on two driven ground rods.

 

[curt swartz]

If its available you are required to use it.

 

[shepelec]

Yes, if your water main qualifies as a GE you must use it.

 

[Electron_Sam78]

can I get a code reference?

 

[iwire]

yes, if your water main qualifies as a ge you must use it.

can i get a code reference?

250.50 ..........................

 

[Electron_Sam78]

Thanks iwire. I like having the reference and reading it for myself. It helps me remember it later. I'm sure I had read that before but if it doesn't apply to a job you're currently working on it get's filed in the subconcious I think :grin:. Maybe that's why I had a feeling I needed to consult the forum.