Where to measure 25 OHMS

[taylorp]

That means a single electrode of that type not the only electrode. In order for a ground rod to qualify as an electrode it would need supplementation or it has to meet the exception of 25 ohms or less even if there was a water pipe electrode.

I suppose that I will need to walk through Part III of Article 250.

250.50 specifically says that where there are NO grounding electrodes present,
ONE or more of the grounding electrodes specified in 250.52(A)(4) through (A)(8) shall be installed. Get it.....ONE.

250.52(A)(5) says that a ground rod is a grounding electrode period.
(whether it meets the 25 Ohm limit or not).

250.53 discusses Grounding Electrode System Installation.

I need to install ONE grounding electrode, therefore in my example I have chosen to install a ground rod at the appropriate location. Section 250.53(A) tells me the requirements to install this ONE ground rod.

I ONLY need a supplemental electrode IF the ONE ground rod I have installed does not meet the 25 Ohm limit. And yes, I have a 3-Point tester.

But if I do not want to take the time, it is easier to supplement this grounding electrode rod installation with ONE of the electrodes listed in 250.52(A)(2) through (A)(8).

I could have installed ONE Ground Ring (no supplemental electrode required).

I could have installed ONE Other Listed Electrode (no supplemental electrode required).

I could have used Other Local Metal Underground Systems or Structures such as a well casing (no supplemental electrode required).

Or I could just install another ground rod. But according to some, a ground rod is not an electrode unless it tests 25 Ohms or less. How about two ground rods, how about three, four, five.........

A single ground rod installation is very common in areas of the country where the earth is relatively moist and the permanent moisture level is very shallow.

My discussion about 250.53(A) discussing ONE of the grounding electrodes listed is accurate. I was not trying to tie my discussion to the use of an underground metal water pipe.

An absurd interperation of 250.53(A) would lead one to believe that every ground rod used as a grounding electrode supplemented by another ground rod, would need another ground rod, and that ground rod would need another ground rod, and so forth ad infinitum.

Several times I have installed only ONE grounding electrode, and I have chosen to use 250.53(A) because that section is talking about the use of a ground rod as the ONLY electrode if it meets the criteria outlined. Which my installations do.

I still firmly say that a ground rod used as a grounding electrode and bonded to any other electrode listed in 250.52(A)(1) through (A)(8) does not need to meet the 25 ohm limit and does not need to be tested which was the original discussion of this thread.

 

[infinity]

I still firmly say that a ground rod used as a grounding electrode and bonded to any other electrode listed in 250.52(A)(1) through (A)(8) does not need to meet the 25 ohm limit and does not need to be tested which was the original discussion of this thread.

A single rod is not considered an electrode unless it's supplemented or has a resistance of 25 ohms or less. Not sure if this is what you're saying.

 

[taylorp]

2 250.52(A)(5) says that a ground rod is a grounding electrode period. (whether it meets the 25 Ohm limit or not)

Not sure why you are insisting that a ground rod is not an electrode when the Code plainly says it is.

But since you are the chief moderator, it is impossible for me to prove my point, so I give up. You are right, you win.

 

[jxofaltrds]

2 250.52(A)(5) says that a ground rod is a grounding electrode period. (whether it meets the 25 Ohm limit or not)

Not sure why you are insisting that a ground rod is not an electrode when the Code plainly says it is.

But since you are the chief moderator, it is impossible for me to prove my point, so I give up. You are right, you win.

It can be 'used' as an electrode IF it qualifies. Also you never have to install more than two ground rods unless your plans require it.

Don't get upset. Most of us here passionately defend what we think the code says.

 

[infinity]

2 250.52(A)(5) says that a ground rod is a grounding electrode period. (whether it meets the 25 Ohm limit or not)

Not sure why you are insisting that a ground rod is not an electrode when the Code plainly says it is.

But since you are the chief moderator, it is impossible for me to prove my point, so I give up. You are right, you win.

No one wins, you're incorrect that a single rod qualifies as an electrode if it doesn't meet the one of the two requirements. That's supplementation or 25 ohms or less.

If I'm incorrect there are many here who will say so.

 

[roger]

But since you are the chief moderator, it is impossible for me to prove my point, so I give up. You are right, you win.

If Rob or anyone else has won it is because you haven't proven what you are trying to prove.


Roger

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I think this argument is about semantics. A ground rod is an electrode just not an electrode that qualifies for the NEC requirements unless it gets 25 ohms.

 

[WIMaster]

WOW! After reading through 5 pages I am glad and understand why WI. Comm.16 just requires us to drive 2 rods and be done with it.:thumbsup: