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Thursday, August 24, 2017

Question:

Charlie,

My question is what is one to do if due to unforeseen soil conditions such as buried rocks or just hardness of the soil what can be done if I cannot get these grounding rods down the entire 8 ft.? And this has happened to both rods I tried to put in at the same location.

Dan Wheeler

A

Answer:

Hey Dan thanks for your question.

If rock bottom is encountered rod and pipe type electrodes can be driven at up to a 45 degree angle from vertical as stated in 250.53(G). If the rock level is higher they can be buried at least 30 inches deep. You can also try a different location or use a different type grounding electrode. If none of those options work it will be up to the AHJ to decide what can be done.

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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