ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues service grounding for two attached buildings?

John...I agree with your comment...

The reason for connection of the GEC within 5ft of its entry to the building is that there is less likely a chance that changes in the water pipe system to other than metallic will happen there than downstream from that point.

Once again I will say that if there is a real FIRE WALL separation between the 2 units they are considered separate buildings and a grounding electrode conductor connection at the building with the water pipe entry would NOT be required from the building without the water pipe entry from the street.

They are separate buildings with the fire wall period.

In my 9th edition of Soares Book on Grounding page 236 figure 13-10 depicts this same scenario.

Separate Buildings=Separate Grounding Electrode Systems.

Does the water pipe go back in the ground between buildings?

Shortcircuit:

OK two structures that are joined, but separated by a real firewall, makes then individual structures. We agree on that.

The water pipe from one building to the other, IMHO is the same thing as IF this is a water service from the street, IF it is in the ground between structures. The fact that there is only one water meter is irrelevant IMHO.

I do not have a Soares Book.

Also, the water piping system must be bonded to the GEC system in the structure, so is this a moot point???

This is where I see the difference between Bonding the GEC's at One point, or each GEC Bonded at separate locations: if the Second Building is fed via an Earthed Cold Water Line, or is it fed via a Cold Water Line mounted on hangers.

The latter (Cold Water Line mounted on hangers) seems more likely of an Installation; as it is the norm for most Projects I have had the pleasure to contend with.

So, IMHO, if the Cold Water Line to the Second Building / Service is installed >10 Feet in the Ground (Earthed), then termination of the GEC within 5 Feet of the point where it comes out of the Ground would be compliant - with Supplemental Electrode(s) Bonded to the Second Location as well as the First Location; otherwise, the GEC from the Second Service would need to be run to the POE (Point Of Entrance).

Does this sound right, or am I missing the point???
(or should I wear a Hat, to "Cover My Point" )

--Scott (EE)

Scott35

Yes, we agree, and you are not missing the point.

No hat needed.

The area that the OP is from tends to influence me to lean to an earthed water line, well below a frost line.

The ultimate answer depends on the OP responding IF the water pipe is earthed. There are many scenarios that the pipe could be installed from point to point.

---BUMP---


Whazzup with this topic???
(i.e.: did this thread answer the OP's question/s???)

--Scott (EE)

Sometimes....ya never know!

LOL!!!

Scott,
The OP hasn't been here since he posted this topic.

I guess the OP is using Mental Telepathy to view the Replies in this Thread!!!

--Scott (EE)