On 10/6/2012 10:42 AM, HeyBub wrote:
John Grabowski wrote:


*I took for granted that the OP had a copper pipe water service from
the street. You are correct that if he didn't, two eight foot
ground rods would provide the necessary lightning protection.


I suggest that no amount of copper pipe is a proper substitute for
ground rods.

Ground rods are the worst earthing electrode.


*So in your mind 16' of copper plated iron rod is a better ground
than the copper pipe that runs from a house out to the street and is
connected to a giant web of piping.

Of course.

You may be confusing a proper electrical ground with the grounding of the
plumbing system.

You are just confused.

What's the reference to lightening protection about?

*The primary purpose of a grounding electrode (Water pipe, ground rod,
ground ring, ufer ground, copper plate, etc.) is for voltage
stabilization and lightning protection.

Sigh. A water pipe is not a grounding electrode. It may FUNCTION as one, but
using a water pipe is not best practice.

A metal municipal water system will be a far lower resistance to earth
than any other earthing electrode you will have a house.

It certainly is a good earthing electrode, which is why the NEC has
required its use since time began.