Re: Test for Surge Protector?

[w_tom <w_tom1@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Article 250.52(B) of the NEC:
> Electrode Spacing:  Where more than one of the electrodes ... are
> used, each electrode ... shall be not less than 1.83 meters (6
> feet) from any other electrode of another grounding system.  Two
> or more grounding electrodes that are effectively bonded together
> shall be considered a single grounding electrode system.

  If two electrodes are used in a single ground 'system', they
individually perform better when separated by 6+ feet.
Furthermore, if the interconnecting wire is buried, then that
wire also enhances the earthing system. For example, the first
rod could be right outside the wall.  Second rod daisy chained
to a point 6+ feet farther from the building.   I believe that
#4 AWG wire is suppose to be 18" or deeper.  One reason why is
because grounding remains effective when below the frost line.

  Don't forget to learn where any buried utilities might be
located.

  Meanwhile these figures from a utility might add further
insight into how that earthing system is installed:
  http://www.cinergy.com/surge/ttip08.htm

Rich Gosselin wrote:
> It's clear to me that good ground is the key to good protectection,
> and I'm going out later today to purchase the materials for my
> personal & business situation. I have an Intermatic device that
> will soon see duty next to my service breakers...and that will be
> connected to several rods.
>
> My only consideration now is where to locate the rods. I know the
> closer the better, and #4 to them. I've got a brick over sand
> patio right outside that wall, so I should be able to remove
> enough brick to insert the rods close enough to be a good low
> resistance distance away. My place is on a slab, so there is no
> deep basement to contend with (unfortunately for my space
> considerations).