NEC 250.120 (B) states:
But "the earth" is not specifically defined in Section 250.2, nor in Article 100. Is "earth" only bare/raw soil? Or would a concrete pad or slab also be considered part of "the earth"?
As I understand it, this code is intended to protect aluminum wire from the deleterious effects of moisture-induced corrosion. The following is a photo inside our main distribution panel:
As you can see, there is considerable rust on the bottom frame of the panel showing the corrosive environment present in the vicinity of the concrete slab. You can also see that the aluminum EGC is terminated within a couple of inches of the slab. Is this a violation of 250.120 (B)?
(B) Aluminum and Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Equipment grounding conductors of bare or insulated
aluminum or copper-clad aluminum shall be permitted.
Bare conductors shall not come in direct contact with masonry
or the earth or where subject to corrosive conditions.
Aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors shall not
be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth.
Equipment grounding conductors of bare or insulated
aluminum or copper-clad aluminum shall be permitted.
Bare conductors shall not come in direct contact with masonry
or the earth or where subject to corrosive conditions.
Aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors shall not
be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth.
But "the earth" is not specifically defined in Section 250.2, nor in Article 100. Is "earth" only bare/raw soil? Or would a concrete pad or slab also be considered part of "the earth"?
As I understand it, this code is intended to protect aluminum wire from the deleterious effects of moisture-induced corrosion. The following is a photo inside our main distribution panel:
As you can see, there is considerable rust on the bottom frame of the panel showing the corrosive environment present in the vicinity of the concrete slab. You can also see that the aluminum EGC is terminated within a couple of inches of the slab. Is this a violation of 250.120 (B)?
