NEC 250.50 says a service panel should be grounded to a metal/copper water pipe. In my case, PEX was installed between the water meter and house. Four inches of copper pipe is exposed on both sides of the foundation wall. PEX is used in the house. Am I getting a sufficient ground for the service panel since this copper pipe is isolated in the wall? I do have a 8’ ground rod connected to the service panel too, but ground is really soft. Thanks.
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Grounding to Water Pipe
- Thread starter Wrench507
- Start date
Aceman
Well-known member
Read the first sentence of 250.52(A)1.
Your water pipe does not qualify as a grounding electrode.
Your water pipe does not qualify as a grounding electrode.
Alchymist
Well-known member
Water pipes are grounded to avoid plumbing throughout the house becoming energized through faulty wiring, not to supply an earth ground. In the old days copper or iron pipe was used for water, and extended a considerable length through the earth, and was considered an acceptable ground. With the advent of plastic pipe, this is no longer the case. Gas pipes, satellite cable, telephones, etc, are also grounded for the same reason.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
NEC 250.50 says a service panel should be grounded to a metal/copper water pipe. In my case, PEX was installed between the water meter and house. Four inches of copper pipe is exposed on both sides of the foundation wall. PEX is used in the house. Am I getting a sufficient ground for the service panel since this copper pipe is isolated in the wall? I do have a 8’ ground rod connected to the service panel too, but ground is really soft. Thanks.
Code actually calls for 2 rods if the first one is not of a low enough resistance and since the earth is soft u might wanna pound in another rod for good measure. It needs to be a minimum of 6' from the first!
Code actually calls for 2 rods if the first one is not of a low enough resistance and since the earth is soft u might wanna pound in another rod for good measure. It needs to be a minimum of 6' from the first!
You have to drive a 2nd rod if you cannot prove 25 Ohms of resistance or less, since the testing equipment is expensive, the 2nd rod is the only option.