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Monday, June 12, 2023
Question:
Hi CQD, I want to improve the grounding system of my house and my research has left me with a lot of unanswered questions.
The first has to do with my existing electrical ground to a copper water pipe. My house was built in 1961 and this is the only electrical ground (no ground rod). I read that it is supposed to be attached to the pipe no more than 5 feet from where the pipe emerges from the ground.
In my case, the water service enters the basement opposite to where the electrical service panel is (about 30-35 feet apart). Would the proper way to use this pipe by today's standards be to install a proper gauge wire between the main panel bus bar to the 5 foot (or less) point of the water pipe? Thanks in advance for any information, Jim Dinsmore
A
Answer:
Hello Jim, thank you for your question. The 2020
NEC® does require any of the electrodes listed in Section 250.52(1)-(7) that are present at a building to be bonding together to create a grounding electrode system. If the water pipe entering your house is metallic, and extends for at least 10 ft underground, then it would qualify as one of the required electrodes. The connection to this water pipe electrode does need to be made within the first 5 ft where it enters the building. It is always advisable to contact the local electrical inspection department, as they will likely require this type of work to be performed by a licensed electrician with an electrical permit.