On Sep 27, 12:40 pm, (Doug Miller) wrote:
It metal water pipe is present, it is *required* to be bonded.

Isn't that what I just said?

Restoring the part that you just snipped, you wrote:
" If using any other earthing electrode, then
a water pipe earthing electrode is not required. "

That's what I said is false. And it is. You got it right the second time
around.

"If using any other earthing electrode" is not even a valid "IF"
here. Replace "If using" with "Required is using" any other
earthing electrode. Does not matter whether the water pipe is or is
not an earthing electrode to breaker box. The error was that the
state of the water pipe (if or if not an electrode) is completely
irrelevant. The code now says some other earthing electrode from
paragraphs two through seven MUST be installed. Yes exceptions
exist. But those exceptions do not apply here. John had no earthing
electrode. What John considered an earth ground was not connected
'less than 5 feet' from earth; therefore was not an earthing
electrode. He must install one that meets current codes. That is
what one electrician would have done if connecting a earth ground rod
directly to breaker box - no other changes.

Relevant in John Ross's situation: John had no earthing electrode.
His breaker box was earthed by using pipes as a conductor. John has
no choice. His breaker box needs an earthing electrode that connects
to breaker box via 6 AWG wire; not connected via pipes.

Connecting a ground rod to his pipe where pipe is an electrode still
would not meet code. Both pipe and ground rod electrode would still be
using pipes as a conductor. Not acceptable. He must connect a new
earth ground rod to breaker box only via approved conductors such as 6
AWG bare copper wire.