[RE-wrenches] clamp on ground impedance tester

[R Ray Walters]

Hi Drake;

I have kids, and I agree with you; an exposed ground rod would be a nasty thing to land on. 
I always had a fear of falling on one with my knee (ugh!), however, I have had inspectors require 4" of ground rod above grade.
(most installs in New Mexico I see keep the connection above grade)
250.53(G) says flush or below grade, so I'm not sure where the 4" above grade AHJ ruling here is coming from.
Your inspector had it right IMO.
I leave a few extra inches of conductor, and loop it back over the top of the rod after the clamp, to make a softer top for it.
I also will stack rocks around the rod after, to protect it as well.
My previous post was just trying to find a bright side of an otherwise disagreeable local requirement.

R. Walters
ray at solarray.com
Solar Engineer




On Apr 18, 2010, at 1:38 PM, Drake Chamberlin wrote:

>> 
>> (another reason to leave the ground rod sticking out of the ground a few inches)
> 
> 
> I had an inspector require me to drive the rod flush.  His concern was that it was a hazard.  A child playing, or anyone for that matter, who fell face down on it could be severely injured.  Other problems are that it is a trip hazard, and it could create issues with lawn moer blades.  I always pound mine below grade.  If I need to access the rod, I just dig around it a bit. 
> 
> 
> Drake Chamberlin
> Athens Electric
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