Is there a limit on how long the ground wire for a sub-panel can be ?
I am adding a sub-panel to my detached garage but would like to put the ground rods on the other side of the garage. That would mean a 30+' ground wire.
Sorry, I could not remember the correct terminology.The wire for grounding electrodes is called a GEC(grounding electrode conductor) not a ground wire.
That implies "as close as is reasonably possible".The ground rods should be installed below the panel.
Any other ideas of installing GEC rods so that they are not above ground in an area where (little kids) ight trip over them ?
No help IMO.Would it hurt or help to install ground rods for a sub panel in an attached garage?
250.50 Grounding Electrode System
All grounding electrodes as described in 250.52(A)(1) through (A)(7) that are present at each building or structure served shall be bonded together to form the grounding electrode system. Where none of these grounding electrodes exist, one or more of the grounding electrodes specified in 250.52(A)(4) through (A)(8) shall be installed and used.
Yes, nothing in the NEC prohibits it.Could you install ground rods in a crawlspace, if you had access?
Up to 45 deg or buried horizontally if rock is hit.Can ground rods be installed at an angle rather than vertical?
250.53(G) Rod and Pipe Electrodes.
The electrode shall be installed such that at least 2.44 m (8 ft) of length is in contact with the soil. It shall be driven to a depth of not less than 2.44 m (8 ft) except that, where rock bottom is encountered, the electrode shall be driven at an oblique angle not to exceed 45 degrees from the vertical or, where rock bottom is encountered at an angle up to 45 degrees, the electrode shall be permitted to be buried in a trench that is at least 750 mm (30 in.) deep. The upper end of the electrode shall be flush with or below ground level unless the aboveground end and the grounding electrode conductor attachment are protected against physical damage as specified in 250.10.
It is required. A water pipe electrode must be supplemented by another form of electrode.If you have no ground rods, just attachment to the water pipes, is it good to add them?
250.53(D) Metal Underground Water Pipe.
If used as a grounding electrode, metal underground water pipe shall meet the requirements of 250.53(D)(1) and (D)(2).
(1) Continuity.
Continuity of the grounding path or the bonding connection to interior piping shall not rely on water meters or filtering devices and similar equipment.
(2) Supplemental Electrode Required.
A metal underground water pipe shall be supplemented by an additional electrode of a type specified in 250.52(A)(2) through (A)(8). If the supplemental electrode is of the rod, pipe, or plate type, it shall comply with 250.53(A). The supplemental electrode shall be bonded to one of the following:
1 Grounding electrode conductor
2 Grounded service-entrance conductor
3 Nonflexible grounded service raceway
4 Any grounded service enclosure
5 As provided by 250.32(B)
REQUIRED !Would it hurt or help to install ground rods for a sub panel in an attached garage?
Well, I don't think you can install an 8' rod in a crawl space. You could install it at an angle and then bend the last foot or 2 straight up ! (I'll never tell !)Could you install ground rods in a crawlspace, if you had access?
Can ground rods be installed at an angle rather than vertical?
Well, not too long a go, that was accepted code, but the ground wire must be continuous back to the meter and be clamped on both sides of the meter.If you have no ground rods, just attachment to the water pipes, is it good to add them?
Not in an attached garage it's not.REQUIRED !
Well, "not too long" is a subjective term. In all the time I've known about this stuff, almost 30 years, it was not enough to simply have a single water pipe electrode.Well, not too long a go, that was accepted code, but the ground wire must be continuous back to the meter and be clamped on both sides of the meter.
Very common with underground services.Bill my two ground rods lay horizontal in my 3 foot deep trench that my 3 inch pipe is buried in.
So installing them a an angle should not be a problem.
I had a permit and had it inspected and it passed.
Bill my two ground rods lay horizontal in my 3 foot deep trench that my 3 inch pipe is buried in.
So installing them a an angle should not be a problem.
I had a permit and had it inspected and it passed.
Not in an attached garage it's not.