Ground rod(s)

[Wastedwagesracing]

The power company told me I need two ground rods 8' apart. I have one that served the old service. But now that I'm doing some modifications they want two. My question is this. Do I need to bring in a separate ground wire from from each rod to the disconnect. Or can I run a ground wire from one rod to the other and just bring in one wire to the disconnect?

 

[Aceman]

Or can I run a ground wire from one rod to the other and just bring in one wire to the disconnect?

This is what we do.

 

[pattenp]

NEC requires 8' rods to be at least 6' apart. But further apart than 6' is not a problem.

 

[Wastedwagesracing]

NEC requires 8' rods to be at least 6' apart. But further apart than 6' is not a problem.

That is what I was told in the past too. But the power company guy said 8' unless he just misspoke. I'll give him 8' just to make sure he is happy.

 

[Wastedwagesracing]

This is what we do.

Thanks that is what I 'll do too.

 

[BigGMC]

Where I'm at, the #4 bare has to be continous. From the panel to rods and back to panel with no splices.

 

[ddawg16]

That is what I was told in the past too. But the power company guy said 8' unless he just misspoke. I'll give him 8' just to make sure he is happy.

I wonder if he meant 8' 'long'? Which is what the rod will be....

I'm pretty sure the wire needs to be continous as well.....

I banged mine in real close to the garage foundation....put the clamp in so that it is below grade...I left the top dirt off so the clamp and wire was exposed so the inspector could see it...once he buys it off....just cover it up....

This is assuming your using burial rated clamps (which most of them are).

 

[Norcal]

I wonder if he meant 8' 'long'? Which is what the rod will be....

I'm pretty sure the wire needs to be continous as well.....

I banged mine in real close to the garage foundation....put the clamp in so that it is below grade...I left the top dirt off so the clamp and wire was exposed so the inspector could see it...once he buys it off....just cover it up....

This is assuming your using burial rated clamps (which most of them are).

The entire rod needs to be in the ground, it cannot "stand proud" above ground.

 

[RCman]

Just went through this with a new service this past week.
Ran the 8' ground rods just over 6' apart like most have said. The #6 THHN runs from the meter socket down some 1/2" PVC and then through the first acorn on the first ground rod, then uncut (just strip come jacket off for the acorn) runs to the next ground rod. The top of the rods are about 1' down from the top of soil after backfill. Inspector was happy.