How to Ground a Storage Structure

Er, so what happens should the steel corrode over time?

i am asking that is it mandatory to use copper conductor and copper rod according to NEC standards.

i would like to use galvanized steel strip becase i have lots of galvanized steel strip at construction site.

i would like to use galvanized steel strip becase i have lots of galvanized steel strip at construction site.

Galvanized steel is not a suitable earth conductor. Unless the NEC standard specifically allows a different material and design for the earthing of your particular application you are stuck with having to use copper.

You may also have a few 2x4s. You wouldn't think to use them as ground rods, now would you? I myself have never seen anybody use anything but coppercoated steel rods, or copper grid.

Last I noticed even at the height of the cost of copper, a six foot grounding rod, was not all that expensive. (Driving them in with a HammerDrill is superior to the sledgehammer for sure.)

If you've ever had a galvanized garbage can with a corroded out bottom, you can quick grasp galvanized is inferior.

but inspector told me

Even if you can make a sensible argument, this is still the guy who has to sign off, right?

Going against your inspector can be very bad - even if you are correct.

yes u are right going against to inspector can be bad but it is not our subject or my question!!!!

the work has to be done has to be parallel with standards.right???

also i have to take into consideration my pocket.!!

economy comes first...

Dear akinbaglan,

The grounding of your structure is first about safety to human life, and second about protecting the structure. This is not an area where you can protect your pocket book.

Can you estimate for us what would be your cost if the galvanized straps corrode around the connection (look up galvanic action), something fails and a worker is killed or injured.

How does that cost now compare to the cost of copper rods and copper wire?

Yes the NEC calls for copper driven rods and/or UFER which is steel re-bar in the concrete. There is an entire chapter devoted to this in the NEC. It's worth a read I think.

Regards, CJM

What do I think... the only way to go is follow what is in effect in the codes of your area. If the NEC is in effect in your area then follow it. Especially at an airfield.

Choosing not to... you might want to make sure your "errors and omissions" insurance coverage is up to date and current all the time.

Hello akinbaglan,

I have constructed a lot of steel buildings, some of them at airports. And several for the Florida National Guard, and one of them was at a bombing range. I can tell you that I placed copper plated ground rods at two opposite corners of every one of them. Steel buildings make very good ground planes for lightning. The NEC requires at least two rods placed on opposite corners connected to the steel frames by a heavy braided ground strap. It is wise to have your electrician conduct a test of the grounding equipment to insure that it is functioning correctly. There are areas where the soil does not contain sufficient ability to ground electricity of any origination. In such cases you may have to connect two rods together so as to double the length in order to get an acceptable reading. You can object, but it isn't going to do you any good. Do it right, and sleep at night.

TooMuchFun

In NY State, two ground rods 'must be connected' to each other, forming a loop to the main panel ground bar. Cu is code. No more Aluminum.

I would scrape any paint off the connection and grease all connections. Add GFIs and a spark arrestor.

thanks to all of you..for your answers..

take care

The steel towers (radio or comunication service,for example) held by guywires or by its own, always are grounded as your inspector says even being steel in all its length.The standards are made to be easily checked by anyone,so may be you are wright in your calculations but who knows?.-