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What are the required dimensions for a galvanized steel rod if it is to be used as a gounding electrode? Trick question.
George Little
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I will take a swing at this.
5/8" x 8' minimum.
Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
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Joined: Jul 2004
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Ah the new Galvan Electric rod huh?
If U/L is OK with it I am OK with it ... until someone tells me otherwise.
Greg Fretwell
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Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
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Wouldn't we have to wait for 250.52(A)(5)(b) to get changed? 250.52(A)(5)(b)Electrodes of rods of iron or steel shall be at least 15.87 mm (5/8 in.) in diameter. Stainless steel rods less than 16 mm (5/8 in.) in diameter, nonferrous rods, or their equivalent shall be listed and shall not be less than 13 mm (1/2 in.) in diameter. In my mind a galvanized steel rod is not equivalent to Stainless steel or nonferrous rods. Bob
Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
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Boy, you guys are right on top of your game. Yes it is all about the Galvan Electric rod. 250.25(A)(5)(b) is kinda poorly written (surprise, surprise) and hopefully it will get re-written someday. In talking with NEMA rep. they use the word "nominal" meaning something in name only when talking about a 5/8 ground rod. Actual dimensions are considerably less than 5/8". The Galvan rod is also less than 5/8" but it has the blessing of UL and I am not sure but maybe we should lean towards using this listed product rather than using and approving the "nominal" 5/8" rod.
George Little
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I remember the last time this rod was talked about, and the site like had a whole "justification" page about thier listing, and sizing. http://www.galvanizersonline.com/electrical/faq.asp George, do you have stock in this company? ![[Linked Image]](https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/biggrin.gif) I don't get the reason why this would be better than a "regular rod"?
Mark Heller
"Well - I oughta....." -Jackie Gleason
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From their site. What does the NEC Code say about ground rod electrode diameters?
Diameters must be 0.625 inches minimum and the rod length must be 96 inches (8 feet) minimum. Any rod less than 0.625 inches DOES NOT meet the NEC Code, unless it is “listed.” Galvan has achieved this compliance! What I don't understand is the compliance with "equivalent to Stainless steel or nonferrous rods." Who decided a galvanized rod is equivalent and if it is what type of rod would not be equivalent?
Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
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This reminds me of the question, "What is the inside diameter of 1/2" conduit?" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Charlie Eldridge, Indianapolis, Utility Power Guy
Charlie Eldridge, Indianapolis Utility Power Guy
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To answer e57, I don't have stock in Galvan, wish I did. This question came up at one of our local inspector forums and got us all talking. I have invited the rep for Galvan to our IAEI Annual Michigan Chapter meeting in December and gave him a 15 minute part on the program to clear up the matter. Somehow I doubt 15 minutes will get it.
George Little
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