Question related to National Electrical Code and the placement of grounding rod?

Question

This question is related to NEC. Please answer if you have sufficient knowledge, i.e. if you are an electrician or contractor.

I live in the state of Maryland. I am having a new house built this month.

I wish to know the approximate location to install a grounding rod for (residential) 200 ampere services near the entry point of the house. I also want to know what the recommended gauge i.e. 8, 10, 12? for this rod.

I also want to know the requirement for Dual (two) 200 ampere service. I want to again know the approximate location to place the grounding rod from the wall of the house and also find the recommended gauge of the rod for this situation.

The reason I want to know this information is to verify that the builder building my house is placing the grounding rod according to code.

If you do not know how to answer my questions but can direct me to someone who might have an answer, that would be appreciated as well.

Answer 1

the building code inspector of the local fire dept has the code books as do most home insuring companies. Libraries have the codes and the code enforcement department of your local government.

Answer 2

Grounding Rod Code

Answer 3

Since the National Electrical Code is only updated every three years, you'd be looking at the 2005 version for the newest information.

The link below indicates most of what you are trying to understand, I think. If not, go check up the relevant section in the NEC (2005) version that should be available at your local library (in the reference section).

Answer 4

Doesn't look like there's a code specifying distance from house, only distance from each other (2 rods).
Check to codes below.

250.56 Resistance of Rod, Pipe, and Plate Electrodes
A single electrode consisting of a rod, pipe, or plate that does not have a resistance to ground of 25 ohms or less shall be augmented by one additional electrode of any of the types specified by 250.52(A)(2) through (A)(7). Where multiple rod, pipe, or plate electrodes are installed to meet the requirements of this section, they shall not be less than 1.8 m (6 ft) apart.

The electrode shall be installed such that at least 2.44 m (8 ft) of length is in contact with the soil. It shall be driven to a depth of not less than 2.44 m (8 ft) except that, where rock bottom is encountered, the electrode shall be driven at an oblique angle not to exceed 45 degrees from the vertical or, where rock bottom is encountered at an angle up to 45 degrees, the electrode shall be permitted to be buried in a trench that is at least 750 mm (30 in.) deep. The upper end of the electrode shall be flush with or below ground level unless the aboveground end and the grounding electrode conductor attachment are protected against physical damage as specified in 250.10.

All rod and pipe electrodes must have at least 8 ft of length in contact with the soil, regardless of rock bottom. Where rock bottom is encountered, the electrodes must either be driven at not more than a 45-degree angle or buried in a 2 1/ 2-ft-deep trench. It should be noted that driving the rod at an angle is permitted only if it is not possible to drive the rod vertically to obtain at least 8 ft of earth contact. Burying the ground rod is permitted only if it is not possible to drive the rod vertically or at an angle.
Ground clamps used on buried electrodes must be listed for direct earth burial. Ground clamps installed aboveground must be protected where subject to physical damage.