Code Change Summary: Revised code language on the protection methods for a grounding electrode conductor.

When a grounding electrode conductor is exposed to physical damage (regardless of size), or even if not exposed to physical damage but it is smaller than 6 AWG, grounding electrode conductors require protection.

NEC 250.64(B) provides the rules on protecting a grounding electrode conductor and the items that are permitted to be used to provide that protection.

In the 2017 NEC^®, PVC conduit was permitted to be used to protect a grounding electrode conductor from physical damage. In the 2020 NEC^®, PVC must now be schedule 80 if used to protect a grounding electrode conductor. This aligns with UL product category DZYR for rigid nonmetallic PVC conduit which states:

Schedule 40 conduit is also suitable for aboveground use indoors or outdoors exposed to sunlight and weather where not subject to physical damage. The marking "Schedule 80 PVC" identifies conduit suitable for use where exposed to physical damage and for installation on poles in accordance with the NEC.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.