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Thursday, June 15, 2023

Question:

Hello Code Friends! Is there net benefit to installing more than two ground rods with water pipe? Is it better to install four or maybe six or just wasted revenue?

Thanks so much,

Yuri Nator
A

Answer:

Hi Yuri and thank you for your participation in the CQD. At a minimum the 2017 NEC® requires a metal water pipe electrode to be supplemented by another electrode listed in Section 250.52(A)(2)-(8). This supplemental electrode could made up of one (1) to two (2) ground rods based on the Exception to Section 250.53(A)(2). The efficacy of using more than two (2) ground rod electrodes is going to be based on the installation site and soil conditions and characteristics. There is an informational note to Section 250.53(A)(3) that provides some information on the efficacy of paralleling ground rods. The NEC® is the minimum requirement for electrical installations meaning one can always go beyond the minimum installation requirements. The NEC® would consider these Auxiliary Grounding Electrodes and even though they are not required for code compliance, once installed they will need to comply with Section 250.54.

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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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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

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