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What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Check the Length

Jan. 9, 2014
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. It's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: Check the length

Find the Answer

The ground rod installed for this service creates several Code violations.

Section 250.53(G) of the 2014 NEC requires rod-type electrodes to be installed so that at least 8 ft of length is in contact with the soil. That would be impossible in this case because almost 3 ft of this rod is sticking up above grade. Even if this were a 10-ft rod, it would still be a violation because only 7 ft of it would be in contact with the soil.

In addition, the upper end of the rod is required to be “flush with or below ground level unless the rod and the electrode conductor attachment are protected against physical damage.” No protection was provided for this rod or conductor.

The clamp used to connect the wire to the rod appears to be a water pipe clamp instead of a clamp rated to be used on a ground rod. Section 250.70 requires ground clamps to be listed for use with the electrode material and also the conductor’s material. Where used on buried electrodes, the clamp must also be listed for direct burial or concrete encasement.

Finally, the rod sticking up from the ground also creates a violation of the clear working space requirements of Sec. 110.26(A)(1) through(3).

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

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