ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Grounding

Hi,
Is there not an exception in the 1999 NEC that allows #6 copper to be used for the cold water ground on a 200A service?

This is the grounding electrode conductor is it not?

thanks for any replies.

The exceptions only apply to made electrodes like ground rods. The metal water pipe always requires a grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper sized per Table 250-66. See 250-66.
Don(resqcapt19)

hi,
in the 2002 NEC section 250.66 (A) it appears to allow a #6 to a pipe.

i am missing how to identify the size difference from the ground rod to the water pipe...i always thought these were the same size.

is there a difference between the 99 code and 2002 code regarding this?

thanks

hi,
in the 2002 NEC section 250.66 (A) it appears to allow a #6 to a pipe.

i am forgot how to identify/determine the size difference between the ground rod and to the water pipe...i always thought these were the same size.

is there a difference between the 99 code and 2002 code regarding this?

thanks

Frodo,
The exception is for a driven pipe electrodemade the same as the way you'd drive a ground rod. It's not for a water pipe.
The driven pipe electrode is normally a pretty crummy ground, but if your soil conditions permit, & you can get it below 25 ohms, what the heck.

Scott is right. 250.66 wil not allow the #6 copout on a H20 pipe, because it's seen as the lowest ohmic value, municipal systems being miles long.
Ground rods are all for show, try & get below 25 ohms, and your rod separation may well be 50' or more, Ufer's will someday rule, if we can be tipped off before the concrete dudes* pour
*knarly bunch that they be...