[AT] grounds

[K7jdj at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/18/2007 5:03:15 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
drupert at premier1.net writes:
the final analysis it's really their  interpretation of the NEC that counts

Dudley,

I agree, but on occasion have dug my feet in and gone up the  chain if it 
will require a lot of work to correct.
The statement "it all  depends" is an understatement when it comes to the NEC 
and it's  interpretation.  I too have called and talked with the LOCAL 
inspector who  will be inspecting to get HIS requirements.  There is a bit of a turf 
war  in this area between the power provider (Puget Sound Energy) and the 
State  inspectors. I have been caught in this battle and the State inspector won  
because, if he will not sign the permit, Puget Power can not provide  
service.  

I don't exactly agree that the code hasn't changed on the  subject of 
secondary panels.  There have been additional articles and  exceptions made over the 
years but basic premise that a  spearate ground system is required has not 
changed.  Art 250.32  part (B)
(1) "states that grounded circuit conductor of a feeder to a  separate 
building may not be bonded and grounded to a grounding electrode if an  equipment 
grounding conductor of any type recognized by 250.118 is run with the  circuit 
conductors" (from McGraw-Hill's NEC electrical code handbook 24 th  edition, 
2002).  It is generally much more economical to install ground  rods than run 
the required ground conductor - especially with the present price  of copper. 
Part of this section specifically address buildings that house  livestock. I'm 
sure most dairy farmers can attest to what works and what  doesn't.  There are 
several issues for them that may require some creative  grounding and what may 
work for one location may not work somewhere else.   I can tell you that at 
many FAA mountain top locations (big rock piles) it is  very difficult to 
obtain an adequate ground.  The McGraw-Hill book is very  good and gives  narrative 
on the changes and additions of exceptions.   I am not up to date with the 
2008 code, as I really don't have a need now that  I've retired.  I did check to 
see if anything had changed on the 25 ohm  requirement and it appears that it 
will not change.  Over the years I  have found it takes me a lot of reading 
and re-reading the NEC to understand the  intent of the requirements and  then 
I call the inspector. :)

Like  farmer says check the grounds, I like to say "It all depends" 
especially when it  involves the NEC.

I have enjoyed all the posts on this and other subjects  but usually stay in 
lurk mode as I put in long hours with my excavating  business.

Gary
Renton, WA.
 



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