"Bob Miller" wrote
On Wed, 2 Mar 2005 13:23:25 -0500, "Jack Painter"
wrote:


Hi Jim, I was quoting from the fire and electrical codes regarding
grounding
electrodes, and yes they mean buried 2' beneath ground surface to reach a
total depth of 10'. Use the length of the rod in the ground, not rod
depth
when determining spacing. That confusing aspect came about when 10' rods
were going to be maintained as the minimum length allowed, and
contractors
screamed they could not obtain them (cheaply). So the 8' rod buried to a
depth of 10' was born.

Jack, isn't this getting a little over-the-top? I have to dig a 2
foot hole, get an 8 foot rod totally buried in that hole -- and then
what, to bond different rods together, dig a 2 foot trench from rod to
rod to bond them together with strapping?

And what about all the corrosion on the buried rods and strapping?

Who does this sort of stuff !! ??

I understand you're quoting from codes, but does anyone "residential"
really do this stuff?

bob
kj5qwg

Hi Bob, you're right few people follow NEC code to any degree unless an
inspector is going to follow. And I hope I pointed out a couple examples
where code was changed or written because of convenience, not science (the
2' below grade level and non-continuous requirement). So in some cases
following code is not the best practice (it needs to be exceeded) and in
other cases is just not practical or possible. You be your own judge there.
Anyone who follows the topic knows why the rules are there, and that in the
case of a casualty, an investigation may assign blame whether code was
followed or not, but certainly if it was not.

The knowledge gained and effort made to protect property is certainly more
important than splitting hairs about code that is a moot point for most.

73,

Jack Painter
Virginia Beach, Virginia