Hey Is it legal for a temp pole for a residence not to have a ground rod? I`ve noticed where some are put in with the #6 wrapped around the bottom of pole. We always use g- rods.Are we wasting money? Thanks Please leave reference I looked in 590
Reel-Break, see 590.2(A)
590.2 All Wiring Installations
(A) Other Articles Except as specifically modified in this article, all other requirements of this Code for permanent wiring shall apply to temporary wiring installations.
Then see 590.4(A)
590.4 General
(A) Services Services shall be installed in conformance with Article 230.
Then take note of Figure 230.1 to go with the above.
Roger
[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 03-13-2006).]
Reel Break
It would be much easier than driving the rod, so I think I will run it by my inspectors and see if they would approve it baised on 590.2(B). I wouldn't have a problem with it for less protection, as I think what I have heard from the lightning experts is that its surge is dissipated approximately 2 feet deep anyway. What else would a ground rod on a temp pole do anyway?
Hey Roger with all due respect are you saying install a rod or no.I`m guessing you`re basicly refering me back to 250?I mean I can`t find where it allows me to take my #6 run it down the temp pole and wrap it around near the bottom and bury it. But while looking at another job I noticed several done this way. But I can`t seem to find how its ok or not.Just thought I`d save me some money on rods cause once its there its not coming up and the home will require 2 anyway so I`m out 3 rods.
Watthead, I agree that a rod doesn't accomplish much here but, 590.2(B) does not give the inspector latitude to wave other requirements, it gives the inspector the power to question and base his/her approval on the enviroment the wiring will be subjected to, length of time the installation will be in place, who will maintane the wiring in case of damage, etc...
Roger
Reel-Break, per the wording the rod(s) would be necessary to comply. If your area is letting this go, you may not have to do it for your inspector to pass it, but that is short of what is required by the NEC.
Roger
[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 03-13-2006).]
I thought you were talking about "wrapping around the pole" like this guy did.
This is an actual power pole I saw in Tennessee. It was still hot.
http://members.aol.com/gfretwell/powerpole.jpg dialup alert
This is a pretty big picture
gfretwell,
I guess since the new Pressure-Treated lumber is CCA (Chromated copper arsenate ) the guy figured the 4x4 could double as a ground rod...except they were out of stock on 4" square clamps!
Now isn't the whole purpose of the rod to actually equalize the potential of your neutral/can bonded service with the earth around it? Without it, you have an exposed circuit conductor as the can itself, right? With the rod you still do, but the eath should be relitively the same potential.
The rod is not just there for lightning....
Guys,
Check out the "Linemans Handbook" as well as "Electrical Engineers Portable Handbook" the ground wrapped at the bottom of a pole before you bury it is called a "Butt" ground and is a time honored method.
It most certainly is not one we are used to, but NFPA 70 was written for inside electricians not outside. I would think you'd need prior approval before it passed inspection in most local jurisdictions.
Now isn't the whole purpose of the rod to actually equalize the potential of your neutral/can bonded service with the earth around it?
That would be nice but it is not possible.
If you are not actually standing in contact with the rod you will be at a different potential than the enclosure.
I hear you Roger, but my inspectors still approve one ground rod on a 400 amp residential service. I have discussed this at length with the inspection department, but the building official said " we can't just make them drive two ground rods". To which I replied "not until you start enforcing the electrical code". To them I am just a smart aleck who doesn't even come close to their knowledge of the code. The reason I was in the meeting with them in the first place was because of another of their classic quotes. "We don't recognize a foundation ground". I now tell them every chance I get that when they adopt the 2005 code they may have to recognize a foundation ground. Maybe I am a bit of a smart aleck.
The POCO says 20' pole 4 ft buried 16 above grade 12.5 ' drip loop to ground 8' customer owned and installed g- rod so I guess the others are buying the good donuts.
Progress energy is the poco.Thanks for the replies.