250.30(A)(4)&(5) Grounding Separately Derived Alternating-Current Systems.

Section 250.68(C)(1) and (C)(2) allows the first 5 feet of an emerging metal underground water pipe that qualifies as a grounding electrode, or structural building steel to be used to extend or interconnect the connection to an electrode.
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Section 250.68(C)(1) and (C)(2) allows the first 5 feet of an emerging metal underground water pipe that qualifies as a grounding electrode, or structural building steel to be used to extend or interconnect the connection to an electrode.

A separately derived system (most typical transformers) is required to be connected to a grounding electrode. The NEC® requires the building or structure grounding electrode system to be used as the grounding electrode for the separately derived system even if the building or structure grounding electrode system is nowhere near the separately derived system.

NEC Section 250.30(A)(5) specifically mentions the methods in 250.68(C)(1) and (C)(2) as acceptable ways to interconnect the grounded conductor from the separately derived system to the building or structure grounding electrode.

Section 250.68(C)(1) and (2) allows the first 5 feet of an emerging metal underground water pipe that qualifies as a grounding electrode, or structural building steel to be used to extend or interconnect the connection to an electrode (see image).

Below is a preview of Article 250. 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.

2020 Code Language:

250.30(A) Grounded Systems.

(4) Grounding Electrode. The building or structure grounding electrode system shall be used as the grounding electrode for the separately derived system. If located outdoors, the grounding electrode shall be in accordance with 250.30(C).

Exception: If a separately derived system originates in equipment that is listed and identified as suitable for use as service equipment, the grounding electrode used for the service or feeder equipment shall be permitted to be used as the grounding electrode for the separately derived system.

(5) Grounding Electrode Conductor, Single Separately Derived System. A grounding electrode conductor for a single separately derived system shall be sized in accordance with 250.66 for the derived ungrounded conductors. It shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the derived system to the grounding electrode in accordance with 250.30(A)(4), or as permitted in 250.68(C)(1) and (C)(2). This connection shall be made at the same point on the separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected.

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250.30(A)(4)&(5) Grounding Separately Derived Alternating-Current Systems.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true when installing a separately derived system inside a commercial building?

A: The nearest metal water pipe must be used as the grounding electrode for the system.
B: The nearest structural building steel must be used as the grounding electrode for the system.
C: The building or structure grounding electrode system shall be used as the grounding electrode for the separately derived system.
D: The nearest ground ring must be used as the grounding electrode for the system.
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